REMAING focussed despite taking her first career loss last week, boxing dynamo Taylah Gentzen is far from done.
The loss against Irish fighter Shauna Browne (5-0) as an undercard on the Opetaia v Nykia fight was narrow, with the decision via points.
“The fight against Browne was an incredible experience,” Gentzen said.
“It was such a close bout, and while the decision didn’t go my way, I’m still living my dream – representing women’s boxing at the highest level on the world stage and loving every minute of it.”
The 34-year-old debuted in 2023, and from seven fights has six wins, three of those by knockout.
She recently moved to Ipswich from Newcastle, with both Taylah and her partner in the defence force.
She has linked up with Ipswich’s own Jess Cashman, of the Ipswich City Boxing Club, who was confident ahead of the fight as she told Local Ipswich News.
“She is on fire,” Cashman said.
“She is so focussed and her work ethic and dedication is second to none.
“Sharp, strong, fit and on weight.”
A better mentor in the ring would be hard to find, with Cashman a former competitive boxer herself turned championship-winning coach.
“Jess (Cashman) is truly an amazing and technical coach,” Gentzen said.
“I relocated to Ipswich and joined her gym just three and a half weeks before the fight, and she took me under her wing without hesitation.
“She went above and beyond, not only spending countless hours coaching me but also lining up some of the best young talent in the country for sparring to make sure I was fight-ready.
“Jess stepped up as my lead coach on fight night at short notice, putting together a world-class team to corner on the night. We worked together on a solid fight plan that we were able to execute on fight night.”
Cashman said Gentzen was focused and ready for the next step in her career.
“She has made an impressive mark on the world with that fight,” Cashman said.
“It’s going to be a massive year ahead.
“Taylah is doing the pro/am line for boxing – pursuing the highest level in both amateur and pro.
“After winning the last two Elite National Championships for amateurs, she is gunning for world championships this year and Commonwealth Games next year.”
Gentzen herself understands the expectation on her but does not shy away from being prepared and ready for the challenges ahead and her next opponent.
“I know I’m capable of fighting at the top level, with a world-class team backing me, and we’re focussed on chasing a world title as a professional,” she said.
“On top of that, I’m aiming to compete in international tournaments and earn my spot on the Australian team for the World Championships at the end of the year.”
