Alycia Baumgardner is preparing to step up a weight class and take on unbeaten contender Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight championship on November 8, a bold move that nudges a high‑profile showdown with Caroline Dubois ever closer. Baumgardner, who currently holds the unified WBO, WBA and IBF belts at super‑featherweight, will add five pounds to her frame and compete at the 135‑pound limit in the main event of MVPW‑07, staged at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
"When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different," Baumgardner declared confidently. "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 responded with equal determination: "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." A victory for Baumgardner would crown her a two‑division world champion in the same weight range as Dubois, who currently holds the WBC and WBO lightweight titles. Such a result would set the stage for a potential unification bout that could bring the sport one step nearer to a truly undisputed champion. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to generate excitement, with fans eagerly scanning the schedule for marquee match‑ups. Meanwhile, streaming options remain flexible; fans can watch fights without contractual obligations through platforms like NOW, and stay up‑to‑date with weekly analysis on the Toe2Toe podcast.
Highlight reels and fight clips are also readily available for those who want to relive the most dramatic moments. At 32 years old, Baumgardner will be in the audience when Dubois squares off against Amelia Moore this Saturday, a fight that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Since December, Dubois has been vocal in challenging Baumgardner, intensifying her calls after she unified the division by defeating Terri Harper in April. Despite these public challenges, Baumgardner has maintained that Dubois has yet to prove herself at a level that would merit a direct contest between the two.
If Baumgardner manages to hand Turhan her first professional loss, the pathway to a blockbuster unification clash with Dubois becomes almost inevitable. Such a fight would likely decide the final piece of the undisputed puzzle, leaving the winner just one victory away from holding every major belt in the lightweight division.
The co‑main event on November 8 will feature England’s Ellie Scotney taking on unbeaten Tiara Brown over ten rounds for the WBC featherweight world title. Scotney, a former undisputed super‑bantamweight champion, will move up to 126 pounds in an effort to become a two‑weight world champion herself, adding another layer of intrigue to an already stacked card. "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 magnitude of the night, which promises to deliver high‑stakes action across multiple divisions. Fans can also tune in this Saturday to watch the clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also appearing on the same broadcast, all on Sky Sports. For those without a traditional cable subscription, streaming options are available without long‑term contracts, ensuring that the sport remains accessible to a global audience.
In summary, Baumgardner’s decision to move up to lightweight and challenge Turhan not only tests her ability to dominate a new weight class but also serves as a pivotal stepping stone toward a potential unification bout with Dubois. The outcome of the November 8 event will shape the narrative of the lightweight division for months to come, influencing rankings, future match‑making, and the long‑awaited quest for an undisputed champion.
The boxing world will be watching closely, as each fight on the card adds another chapter to an already compelling storyline.