Kayla Allen: From self-taught boxer to Zuffa Boxing prospect

British boxer Kayla Allen has become the first woman to sign with the professional boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing. She will have her second professional fight on November 7, shown live on Sky Sports. The signing matters because the promotion had not previously signed a woman.

Allen took up boxing only a few years ago. During the pandemic lockdown, aged 18, she trained in her back garden and learned punches from YouTube videos. She also watched fights of well-known boxers, including Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson. She later went to a local boxing gym and took part in several so-called white-collar fights. She had earlier hoped for a career in football.

Rapid rise in amateur boxing

Allen's first amateur event was the Golden Girl, an international tournament in Sweden, which she won. After performing well at the national championships, she quickly joined the England squad and then the GB squad. By her account, she was on England's team within six months and GB's within eight. She credited her coaches and both systems.

In her professional debut at Zuffa Boxing 11, she stopped Edina Kiss.

Her own way

Allen stresses that she believes in herself and wants to be the best in boxing. She promises an explosive style and knockouts. She also says her success can encourage other women. "It started in a unique way and it'll finish in a unique way as well," she said.

The main event of Zuffa Boxing 12 on November 7 will see Chris Billam-Smith face Cheavon Clarke.