British pugilist Jessica Barry is slated to step into the ring against Texas‑based contender 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. The feather‑weight encounter adds another layer to the UK‑versus‑USA theme of the MVP Women’s 06 event, marking a considerable leap forward for Barry, whose record stands at 10 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws with 2 stoppages. She will be testing herself against former junior Olympian Tellez, who comes in with a 13‑1‑1 ledger and 5 knock‑outs, just a short distance from Barry’s hometown of Coventry. "I turned down three title opportunities to be on this card, and this chance will open every door I've been knocking on," Barry declared.
"MVP are pioneering women's boxing and Sky Sports provides the premier platform in the UK. Now it’s up to me to deliver a five‑star performance." For Tellez, the bout represents her first fight since she went the distance in a loss to unified world champion Amanda Serrano in January, a night that also featured Caroline Dubois versus American prospect Amelia Moore. "I have great respect for Jessica Barry for taking this challenge, but once the bell rings, respect turns into determination.
I’m here to represent the United States with pride, fight with heart, and leave everything in the ring," Tellez said. "I have plenty of time to prepare, I’ll be on another level. Expect fireworks, expect me at my best, I’m coming with everything I’ve got." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill with marquee match‑ups, and fans can enjoy a contract‑free streaming experience via NOW, as well as weekly insights on the Toe2Toe podcast and a curated selection of the sport’s top highlights.
Joining the preliminary slate, MVP’s newest signee Tysie Gallagher will square off against Welsh super‑bantamweight Ashleigh Johnson. Gallagher, who holds a 10‑2 record, is the reigning WBO and Commonwealth champion and is eyeing an ascent to the IBF’s No. 5 spot worldwide.
"MVPW‑06 continues to showcase elite match‑ups that reflect both the present and the future of the storied boxing legacies of the UK and the USA," said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co‑founders of Most Valuable Promotions. "Reina Tellez is a Team USA veteran and proven world‑championship contender while Jessica Barry is an English champion—both are perfect fits for this decorated MVPW‑06 UK‑vs‑USA main card of champions and elite challengers." "Alongside Tysie Gallagher’s promotional debut and another Midlands clash featuring Brandon Bethall, MVPW returns in force on Saturday, August 29, live on Sky Sports." The headline bout of MVPW‑06 will see Mikaela Mayer take on Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also slated to fight, making the event a showcase of top‑tier talent from both sides of the Atlantic. Viewers can watch the action live on Sky Sports or opt for a contract‑free streaming service to follow every round of the night. In the lead‑up to the fight, Barry has been vocal about the sacrifices she’s made to secure this slot, emphasizing how the exposure on a major broadcaster could catapult her career.
Her confidence is matched by a disciplined training camp focused on sharpening her footwork, increasing her punch output, and honing defensive tactics to counter Tellez’s aggressive style. Tellez, meanwhile, is leveraging her experience from the Serrano bout to refine her stamina and ring IQ.
She has been working with a new conditioning coach to improve her endurance, ensuring she can maintain a high pace throughout the scheduled ten rounds. Both fighters have expressed mutual respect, yet each is determined to prove superiority in a contest that could shape the trajectory of their respective careers. The event also underscores the growing prominence of women’s boxing in the UK, with Sky Sports committing to a prime‑time slot for the undercard and main card alike. This visibility not only benefits the athletes but also inspires a new generation of female fighters.
Fans attending the venue in Birmingham can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with local supporters cheering for Barry and international fans rallying behind Tellez. The matchup promises a blend of technical skill, power punching, and strategic acumen, making it a must‑watch segment of an already stacked fight card.
Overall, the Barry‑Tellez clash embodies the spirit of competition that MVP Women’s 06 aims to deliver: a celebration of talent, determination, and the transatlantic rivalry that continues to energize the sport. Whether you’re watching on television, streaming online, or following the live commentary, this bout is set to provide an unforgettable night of boxing action.