Does Elif Nur Turhan Truly Belong Atop the Women’s Lightweight Division?
Hard-hitting Turkish fighter Elif Nur Turhan remains undefeated and the reigning IBF women’s lightweight champion. Yet despite her perfect record, recent performances suggest she may not be the dominant force some have claimed her to be. This raises legitimate questions about whether she is the best fighter at 135 pounds.
Fighting at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs) retained her title with a unanimous decision victory (96-94 on all three scorecards) over previously unbeaten Gabriela Tellez (7-1, 3 KOs). The champion pressed forward relentlessly, looking to overwhelm her younger opponent with pressure and physicality. However, Tellez impressed with her movement, timing, and counterpunching, repeatedly disrupting Turhan’s advances. In the end, the champion’s aggression proved enough to secure the victory in what was a highly competitive bout.
Turhan captured the IBF title with a dominant fifth-round stoppage of Beatriz Ferreira in December 2025. In that match, she appeared poised to become the woman to beat in the lightweight division. Her promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised the 31-year-old as one of the sport’s brightest new stars and among the most dangerous fighters in women’s boxing. Yet back-to-back title defenses against Taylah Gentzen and Tellez have done little to support that narrative.
GETTING EXPOSED
Turhan’s punching power is undeniable, but her last two outings have exposed notable defensive shortcomings. A strong argument can be made that she is a one-dimensional pressure fighter who relies heavily on her physical strength. She can be outboxed for stretches of a fight by opponents with sound defensive skills and strong boxing fundamentals.
Her association with Matchroom Boxing may allow her to be matched carefully. However, a showdown with unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois could present significant problems. Based on recent performances, claims that Turhan is the next dominant force in women’s boxing appear premature and perhaps greatly overstated.
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