Boyd Allen: Transitioning from MMA Star to IBO All Africa Boxing Contender
GOING FOR GLORY Boyd Allen (right), former MMA star, aims for IBO All Africa boxing glory against undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi at South Africa's 'Fistic Havoc' event on 21 June. Picture supplied.
Image: supplied
Following The Reckoning in Pretoria last month, which saw Kevin Lerena defend his WBC bridgerweight title, the stage is now set for another big boxing event in South Africa when the ‘Fistic Havoc’ event takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre on June 21.
Lerena will be leaving his boxing gloves at home for this event as the ambassador for Aquila Boxing Promotions (ABP).
Headlining this high-octane event is a Super Welterweight war for the IBO All Africa Title, a compelling continental clash between South Africa’s Boyd Allen and Botswana’s unbeaten southpaw threat, Kagiso Bagwasi.
While fans remember Allen for his MMA dominance — boasting a 16-6-1 record during his EFC reign — his pivot to boxing in 2018 was never a side project.
Boyd's Journey: From Grit to Glory in the African Boxing Arena
“Boyd’s story is exactly the kind of journey we want to spotlight,” said Lerena.
“He didn’t walk in expecting shortcuts. He started from scratch, took risks, and built his boxing career brick by brick.”
Since making his professional debut in October 2018, he has compiled a record of eight wins, one loss, and one draw, with notable victories that highlight his evolution from striker to structured, thinking boxer. He snatched the WBA Pan African title in just his third pro bout — a statement of intent — and has only grown sharper since.
Now, standing between him and the IBO All Africa gold is Kagiso Bagwasi, a slick, powerful fighter from Botswana with an unblemished 6-0 record and a 50% Knock-Out (KO) rate. Bagwasi’s recent first-round demolition of South African powerhouse Almighty Moyo turned heads across the region and confirmed what insiders already knew — the kid can punch, and he comes to finish.
But for Aquila Boxing Promotions, it’s also about the bigger picture.
“We're beyond grateful to have powerhouse partners in our corner — the kind that don’t just support the vision, they supercharge it,” said Lerena.
“Massive thanks to my sponsors: World Sports Betting, Tigris Wealth, Supersport, JCP Steel, and HP. Without your backing, this event wouldn’t be the premier, high-calibre showcase it is today. You don’t just elevate the event — you define it.
“South African boxing has the talent, the heart, the legacy. What it needs is infrastructure, consistency, and belief. That’s what ABP is committed to delivering.”