Kayla Allen, a highly decorated amateur boxer from the United Kingdom, is set to step into the professional arena this September, marking a historic moment as the inaugural female athlete to join Zuffa Boxing’s roster. The 21‑year‑old London native will compete in the lightweight division, making her professional debut on September 26 at the Copper Box Arena in London.
The bout will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and will feature on the undercard of Zuffa Boxing 11, an event headlined by heavyweight contender Johnny Fisher. Allen’s agreement with Zuffa Boxing represents the latest milestone in a meteoric rise that began less than half a decade ago when she first slipped on a pair of gloves.
"I’m thrilled to have signed with Zuffa Boxing as their first female athlete," Allen said in a recent interview. "It’s an honour to be in this position. With the support of Zuffa and Sky Sports, I have the chance to become a major star on both sides of the Atlantic. I’m grateful to my team for believing in me and making this groundbreaking deal happen.
I’ll bring the heat in the ring, and my fans will bring the noise on September 26." Allen’s journey from a backyard enthusiast to one of Britain’s most promising young amateurs began with a simple setup: a heavy bag in her garden and a steady diet of instructional videos featuring legends such as Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson. After a brief period competing in white‑collar tournaments, she earned a spot with GB Boxing, where she made an immediate impact by reaching the Senior Elite finals in her first year as an amateur. Her amateur résumé is impressive.
Allen captured gold medals at several of Europe’s most prestigious competitions, including the 2024 Haringey Box Cup and the 2025 Senior Elite Championships. She capped her amateur career with victories at the 2025 European U23 Championships and the 2026 Boxam Tournament in La Nucia, Spain. Throughout these successes, she trained under the watchful eye of longtime coach Alex Leo, who will continue to guide her as she transitions to the professional ranks. The upcoming debut is not just a personal achievement; it also signals a broader shift in the sport.
Zuffa Boxing’s decision to sign a female fighter for the first time reflects the growing recognition of women’s boxing and its commercial potential. The partnership with Sky Sports ensures that Allen’s first professional fight will reach a wide audience, further elevating the profile of women’s boxing in the UK and internationally. Fans can tune in to watch Allen’s debut on the undercard of Johnny Fisher’s fight at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, September 26.
The event will be streamed live on Sky Sports, and viewers have the option to subscribe to Sky Sports or use a contract‑free streaming service to catch the action. In addition to the live broadcast, boxing enthusiasts can stay up to date with upcoming fight schedules for 2026, stream bouts without a contract via NOW, and enjoy weekly episodes of the Toe2Toe podcast for deeper insights into the sport. Beyond the fight night, Allen’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring boxers, especially young women who see a pathway to professional success. Her rapid progression—from a self‑taught hobbyist to a gold‑medal‑winning amateur and now a professional contender—demonstrates the impact of dedication, quality coaching, and the right opportunities.
As she prepares for her first professional round, Allen remains focused on honing her technique, building her stamina, and developing the mental toughness required to thrive in the highly competitive lightweight division. Looking ahead, Allen’s team envisions a career that includes title shots, international bouts, and potential cross‑Atlantic matchups, leveraging the exposure provided by Zuffa Boxing’s global network.
With the backing of a major promoter and a major broadcaster, the young Londoner is poised to become a household name in boxing, paving the way for future generations of female fighters. In summary, Kayla Allen’s September 26 debut is more than just a fight; it is a landmark event that underscores the evolution of women’s boxing, the strategic expansion of Zuffa Boxing, and the promise of a new star ready to make her mark on the sport.