Alycia Baumgardner is preparing to ascend to a higher weight class for a high‑stakes encounter with undefeated contender Elif Nur Turhan, a bout scheduled for November 8 that will see her defend the IBF lightweight crown. This strategic move not only tests Baumgardner’s versatility but also nudges the long‑awaited showdown with British sensation Caroline Dubois ever closer to reality. Currently the unified champion at super featherweight, holding the WBO, WBA and IBF belts, Baumgardner will add five pounds to her frame and step into the 135‑pound lightweight division for the headline attraction of the MVPW‑07 card at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
The event promises a night of championship fireworks, with Baumgardner’s title defense against Turhan forming the centerpiece. "When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different," Baumgardner declared confidently in a pre‑fight interview.
"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." Her words underscore a career narrative built on relentless ambition and a proven ability to capture multiple belts across weight classes.
Turhan, equally resolute, responded with equal intensity: "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." The mutual respect and competitive fire between the two athletes set the stage for a contest that could be described as a war of wills as much as a clash of fists. Should Baumgardner emerge victorious, she will join the elite group of two‑weight world champions and, crucially, will find herself in the same weight division as Caroline Dubois, who currently holds the WBC and WBO lightweight titles.
The prospect of a unification bout between Baumgardner and Dubois has been simmering for months, and a win over Turhan would effectively clear the final hurdle for that blockbuster clash. Boxing fans looking ahead to 2026 are already mapping out the calendar of marquee events. Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to live fights, while podcasts like Toe2Toe keep enthusiasts updated on the latest developments.
Highlights and analysis videos continue to draw new audiences to the sport, underscoring boxing’s growing digital footprint. At 32, Baumgardner will also be present ringside for Dubois’ upcoming fight against Amelia Moore, a bout slated for Saturday on Sky Sports.
The two have exchanged verbal jabs since December, with Dubois publicly calling out Baumgardner after unifying the division by defeating Terri Harper in April. Despite the vocal challenges, Baumgardner has maintained that Dubois has yet to demonstrate the caliber required for a direct confrontation, a stance that adds intrigue to any future matchup. If Baumgardner hands Turhan her first professional loss, the narrative will shift dramatically. The boxing world would then be looking at a potential unification showdown that could bring the winner within a single victory of achieving undisputed status—a title that has eluded many greats in the sport’s history.
The undercard for November 8 also features a compelling co‑main event: England’s Ellie Scotney will travel to the United States to meet unbeaten Tiara Brown in a ten‑round battle for the WBC featherweight championship. Scotney, a former undisputed super bantamweight champion, will move up to 126 pounds with the aim of adding another world belt to her résumé, thereby becoming a two‑weight champion herself. "MVPW‑07 is one of the biggest championship events in boxing history, with four back‑to‑back world title fights, bringing together eight elite fighters from around the world with belts at stake in every match‑up," said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co‑founders of Most Valuable Promotions. Their confidence reflects the event’s ambition to deliver a night of high‑caliber competition that could reshape the lightweight landscape.
Fans can also tune in this Saturday to watch the highly anticipated clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also appearing on the Sky Sports broadcast. For those without a traditional cable subscription, streaming options are available, allowing viewers to experience the action without a long‑term contract. In summary, Baumgardner’s decision to move up to lightweight and challenge Turhan is more than a single title defense; it is a calculated step toward a potential mega‑fight with Dubois that could redefine the division. The upcoming MVPW‑07 card promises to deliver not only a pivotal bout for Baumgardner but also a showcase of talent across multiple weight classes, setting the stage for what could become one of the most memorable nights in recent boxing history.