Elif Nur Turhan vs. Alycia Baumgardner press conference quotes and fight prediction
Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs) will soon defend her IBF lightweight world title against Alycia Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs, 1 NC).
Their bout headlines a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) card at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Fight fans in the United States will be able to catch the action live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Those in the United Kingdom and Ireland can do so with Sky Sports.
Both women spoke at a press conference ahead of their Nov. 8 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Elif Nur Turhan vs. Alycia Baumgardner press conference quotes
Elif Nur Turhan
“[The fact that Baumgardner is claiming the world title is hers] just means she’s well-prepared and ready to fight me,” said Turhan through an interpreter. “She’s prepared well for this fight.”
“[Getting punched in the face is] our job. It’s normal for her to do that.”
Alycia Baumgardner
“We have an amazing week coming up,” said Baumgardner. “We have an amazing fight this Sunday and I have one of the best challenges in front of me. When we talk about stepping up, I’m stepping up to the lightweight division. I’m challenging a world champion, Elif, who is ready to fight. As for myself, I’m ready to go. I’m prepared and I’m ready to punch her in the face.”
“[My experience] is a huge advantage. Being in this sport, starting at eight years old, 20 years of experience. Experience is everything in boxing and I have that under my belt. Turhan is a perfect opponent to pick apart. You will see high-level boxing. You don’t just see two girls fighting. You’ll see high-level boxing. Me setting punches up. The jab working for itself. This is a great matchup and you will see the separation of a world champion, former undisputed world champion at that.”
The Big Fight Weekend verdict
Prediction courtesy of Ricky Carroll: Turhan is a problem for any woman at lightweight. She’s aggressive, comes forward and carries huge power, as shown in her stoppage victories, especially against Beatriz Ferreira. She is adept at closing the distance and letting her hands go.
Baumgardner picks her spots impressively, and wastes very little. Her hand speed is eye-catching, and she carries power of her own. Her sharp punching will be the difference here, and I can see her staying disciplined for the full 10 rounds and taking a decision victory.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of MVP.
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Featured image credit
MVP X
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.