Kayla Allen's journey into professional boxing began unconventionally. Only a few years ago, she was teaching herself the sport through YouTube videos and practising combinations in her garden, yet her trajectory since then has been nothing short of remarkable. According to Sky Sports, she has progressed from self-taught novice to GB squad member and has now become the first woman to sign with Zuffa Boxing, marking a watershed moment for female representation in the promotion.
Her second professional outing is scheduled for November 7 on Sky Sports, continuing her rapid rise through the ranks. Speaking about her approach to competition, Allen struck a confident tone:
Any fight I go into, whether it's the first debut, the second fight or a world title fight, everyone's getting dealt with the same. It's always been exciting, it's never been boring. So for me it's not about being someone else, it's about being myself, and the best Kayla beats anybody on the night.
The path that led Allen to professional boxing began during the pandemic lockdown, when she pivoted away from football ambitions to explore combat sport. She described her unconventional entry into the sport with characteristic directness:
I learned how to box in my back garden as an 18-year-old girl. I watched videos on YouTube, how to throw a jab, watched Mayweather, Mike Tyson, AJ, I just studied the sport and then went down to the local boxing gym, did a couple of white-collar fights and now we're here.
Her self-belief has remained unwavering throughout her boxing education.
I've always believed in myself. Whenever I first started, no matter what I do I always go: 'I'm going to be the best at this'. So whatever that means I don't know, but that's just my mindset. No matter what I do I'm always the best at it and I'll be the best at boxing.
Allen's competitive debut came at the Golden Girl tournament, a prestigious international amateur championship held in Sweden. She won the competition, signalling her readiness for higher levels of competition. Her performances in the national championships that followed were equally impressive, earning her selection to the GB squad in a remarkably short timeframe.
The speed of her progression through the amateur system astonished even those involved in developing her talent.
Within six months I was on England and then within eight months I was on GB. That's work, credit to my coaches and credit to myself, and the GB system and the England system to allow me to get to where I needed to be. It's a blessing. I'm glad to be here and it's a good opportunity.
Her transition to the professional ranks represents a significant milestone for women in boxing. Allen made her professional debut on September 26, 2026, defeating Edina Kiss by third-round TKO, with Kiss retiring during the contest. The victory established her credentials at professional level and set the stage for her continued development under Zuffa's banner.
Reflecting on her historic signing with Zuffa Boxing, Allen expressed her determination to inspire others:
Where's the girls at? I'm here now, so let's go! It helps other females coming through, that nothing's impossible.
Her ambitions for her professional career are bold and uncompromising.
Explosive, knockouts, just explosive energy, I'm going to bring ferocity to the ring… When I step into that ring it's game on for me. It's creating my own legacy, one of one, and creating my own name for female boxing. It started in a unique way and it'll finish in a unique way as well. I do everything my own way.
What happens next
Allen is scheduled to return to action on November 7 in a six-round super-lightweight bout at Zuffa Boxing 12. The event takes place at London's Copper Box Arena, with the card airing on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada. Her opponent for the bout was still to be confirmed at the time of the event announcement. The main event will feature Chris Billam-Smith facing Cheavon Clarke, with Allen's appearance forming part of a card designed to showcase emerging talent alongside established names.
