Alycia Baumgardner will step up to lightweight on November 8 when she challenges IBF champion Elif Nur Turhan at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
Victory on the MVP-promoted show would see her join Caroline Dubois, Baumgardner’s No. 1 target, as a beltholder in the 135lbs division.
Dubois, 13-0-1 (5 KOs), defends her WBC and WBO straps on Saturday when she takes on Amelia Moore in Birmingham, England.
The 32-year-old Baumgardner, the reigning unified WBO, WBA and IBF junior lightweight boss, is expected to be ringside to see Dubois, and no doubt pose for photos with, should everything go to plan.
Baumgardner, 18-1 (7 KOs), last fought in April when she outpointed Bo Mi Re Shin over 10 rounds.
“When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different,” Baumgardner said. “This is a super fight, the kind of fight boxing deserves, and the beginning of my next chapter.
“I know what it takes to become undisputed. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.”
Turhan, 14-0 (8 KOs) and not so long ago expected to do battle with Dubois herself, is quoted as saying: “Alycia is a boxer who steps into the ring determined to win, never even entertaining the possibility of defeat. I know I am facing an opponent who steps into the ring solely for victory.
“I do not want to lose either. As two boxers sharing a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, we guarantee a fierce, relentless battle where everything is left on the line. Two warriors, one fight and only one winner.”
Also fighting on November 8 in Arlington is Ellie Scotney, who takes on Tiara Brown in a bout for the WBC featherweight title.
