British featherweight Jessica Barry will step into the ring against American prospect Reina Tellez on the undercard of the highly anticipated Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron showdown, scheduled for August 29 in Birmingham and televised live on Sky Sports. This bout, part of the MVP Women 06 event, adds another chapter to the ongoing UK‑vs‑USA rivalry that has become a hallmark of the promotion. Barry, who enters the fight with a record of 10 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws, including two stoppages, is taking a major leap in competition.
Her opponent, Tellez, boasts an impressive 13‑1‑1 record with five knock‑outs and is a former junior Olympian who has been making waves on the American circuit. The fight will take place not far from Barry’s hometown of Coventry, giving her a supportive local crowd.
"I turned down three title opportunities to be on this card, and this chance will open every door I've been knocking on," Barry said in a pre‑fight interview. "MVP are leading the way for women's boxing, and Sky Sports provides the biggest platform in the UK.
Now it's up to me to deliver a five‑star performance." For Tellez, the Birmingham clash marks her first fight since a hard‑fought decision loss to unified world champion Amanda Serrano in January, a bout that went the full distance. Tellez is eager to rebound and prove she belongs among the elite.
"I respect Jessica Barry for accepting the challenge, but once the bell rings, respect turns into determination. I'm here to represent the USA with pride, fight with heart, and leave everything in the ring," she declared.
"I have plenty of time to prepare, and I'll be on another level. Expect fireworks; expect me at my best, giving everything I've got." The MVP Women 06 card also features a high‑profile clash between Caroline Dubois and American contender Amelia Moore, further underscoring the transatlantic theme of the night.
In addition, the preliminary card will see MVP’s newest signing, Tysie Gallagher, face Welsh super‑bantamweight Ashleigh Johnson. Gallagher, with a 10‑2 record, currently holds the WBO and Commonwealth titles and is aiming to solidify her position as the IBF’s world number five contender.
Co‑founders of Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, highlighted the event’s significance, stating, "MVPW‑06 continues to showcase elite matchups that represent both the present and future of the storied boxing legacies of the UK and USA. Reina Tellez is a Team USA veteran and proven world‑championship competitor, while Jessica Barry is an English champion; together they form a perfect fit for this decorated main card of champions and elite contenders." The promotion also teased a Midlands showdown featuring Brandon Bethall, promising more local interest for the Birmingham audience. The entire event, headlined by the Mayer‑Cameron title bout and featuring Dubois, aims to deliver a night of high‑octane action for boxing fans across the UK and beyond.
Fans can watch MVPW‑06 live on Sky Sports, or stream the fights through various contract‑free platforms such as NOW, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The event is part of a broader 2026 boxing schedule that includes several marquee matchups, with Sky Sports positioned as the primary broadcaster for the sport’s biggest nights. Beyond the immediate excitement of the Barry‑Tellez fight, the bout serves as a pivotal moment in both athletes' careers. For Barry, moving up to face a higher‑ranked opponent on a major televised platform could catapult her into title contention, while Tellez aims to rebound from her recent setback and re‑establish herself as a top contender on the world stage.
Their contrasting styles—Barry’s technical precision and steady pressure versus Tellez’s power punching and aggressive approach—promise a compelling tactical battle that will test each fighter’s adaptability and resolve. The event also underscores the growing prominence of women’s boxing, with MVP and Sky Sports investing heavily in promoting female talent.
By pairing rising stars with established champions, the promotion is building a sustainable pipeline that nurtures the sport’s development and attracts new fans. In summary, the Barry versus Tellez featherweight clash on the undercard of Mayer versus Cameron offers a perfect blend of local pride, international rivalry, and high‑stakes competition. With both fighters motivated to prove themselves, and a supportive audience ready to cheer them on, the night in Birmingham is set to deliver memorable moments and potentially reshape the trajectories of two promising careers.