Kayla Allen has become the first female fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing, and will make her professional debut in London in September.
The 21-year-old Londoner will campaign as a lightweight and make her first professional appearance on September 26, live on Sky Sports, at the Copper Box Arena. She will fight on the undercard of ZUFFA BOXING 11, headlined by heavyweight star Johnny Fisher.
Allen's deal with Zuffa Boxing marks the latest step in a rise to a boxing career that began when she first put on a pair of gloves less than five years ago.
Allen said she was delighted to have signed with Zuffa Boxing as their first female athlete. She said she felt honoured to be in the position, and that with the backing of Zuffa and Sky Sports, she could become a big star on both sides of the Atlantic. Allen thanked her team for believing in her and securing the deal, and said she would be bringing the heat in the ring while her fans brought the noise on September 26.
From garden heavy bag to GB Boxing
Allen's rise to becoming one of Britain's most accomplished young amateurs began when she set up a heavy bag in her garden and started learning the craft by watching videos of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson.
After a short stint on the white-collar circuit, Allen joined GB Boxing and reached the Senior Elite finals in her first year as an amateur. She won gold at several of Europe's most prestigious tournaments, including the 2024 Haringey Box Cup and the 2025 Senior Elite Championships.
Allen closed out her amateur career with wins at the 2025 European U23 Championships and the 2026 Boxam Tournament in La Nucia, Spain. She will begin her professional career under long-time trainer Alex Leo.