FOR Ipswich boxer Taylah Gentzen, victory on July 10 could be the result that propels her closer to a world title opportunity.
Gentzen will take on Stasia Waimaria at Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane with the WBC Australasian Lightweight Title on the line, a bout that would significantly strengthen her position in the WBC world rankings.
Currently ranked No.15 by the WBC, Gentzen said a title victory would provide a valuable pathway towards the top 10 and place her in a stronger position as major opportunities emerge in the lightweight division.
“My aim is to show that there are levels to this sport,” Gentzen said.
“I want people to walk away and think, ‘holy crap’.”
Standing in her way is Waimaria (5-4-1, 3 KOs), a fighter Gentzen expects to present a genuine challenge despite her entering as the higher-ranked boxer.
“She’s dangerous because this is a massive opportunity for her,” Gentzen said.
“I know she’s extremely strong and I know she’s going to come to fight.”
As part of her preparation, Gentzen and her team have spent weeks studying footage and analysing Waimaria’s style to develop a detailed game plan.
“We build our training around that.”
“She’s got a beautiful jab and she likes to stand there and box.
“She’s a little bit shorter than me, so we expect she’ll want to come forward, get in close and make it messy.”
The fight marks another significant step in what has been a rapid rise for Gentzen over the past three years, a period that has seen growth and a greater understanding of ring craft.
“I’ve learned how to use my feet, I’ve learned distance control and I’ve learned how to read what’s happening in front of me,” she said.
“My boxing ability has gone up tenfold.
“I’ve shown that I can move, box and fight when I need to. I feel like I have all those abilities now.”
Gentzen also believes she is entering the bout with greater confidence in her power than at any previous stage of her career.
The bout is expected to attract strong local support, with Gentzen anticipating a vocal crowd and essentially a “home crowd” for both fighters.
“It’s Logan versus Ipswich and we’re one of the top fights on the card,” she said.
