Elif Nur Turhan has extended her deal with Matchroom Boxing and confirmed the first defense of her IBF World Lightweight title later this month, marking an early and important step in her 2026 schedule. The defense is set for Saturday January 31 in Newcastle and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Elif Nur Turhan secured the IBF title in December by stopping Beatriz Ferreira in the fifth round in Monte-Carlo, a result that followed knockout victories over Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi earlier in the year. Those results capped a productive 2025 and established her position near the top of the lightweight division with a record of 12 wins and eight stoppages.
First defense sets direction for 2026
Turhan’s title defense will come against Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. The contest forms part of an undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev defending his IBF super welterweight title against local challenger Josh Kelly.
The fight gives Turhan immediate activity after winning the belt and provides clarity on her next phase as champion. While Gentzen arrives with less of an international profile, the fight gives Turhan a defined task and a chance to launch her title run in front of a British crowd.
Matchroom plans and a busy Newcastle map
Eddie Hearn confirmed the new multi-fight deal and detailed Matchroom’s intentions following Turhan’s title win.
“Elif is the toughest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question,” Hearn said. “I am delighted to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom as there are many big nights ahead for her.”
Hearn added that a future fight with Caroline Dubois would be of interest, but stressed that Turhan’s focus remains on her January defense.
The Newcastle card also features Josh Padley challenging Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU super featherweight title, further professional outings for Leo Atang and Brad Casey, and the professional debut of local amateur standout Kiaran MacDonald. A Northern Territory lightweight title fight between undefeated rivals Josh Blenkiron and Robbie Colman rounds off a schedule built around regional involvement and development.
For Turhan, the immediate goal is simple. A successful first defense will stabilize her position as champion and allow longer-term plans to develop naturally, without rushing past the work required to maintain a world title.
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Last updated on 01/09/2026
