Reina Tellez is once again stepping onto the global boxing platform, propelled by the confidence that comes from taking bold risks. The 23‑year‑old British‑American fighter first captured attention in January when she answered a call to fight the legendary seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano on just a fifteen‑day notice. Although she ultimately lost on points, the bout proved to be a turning point in her career, earning her the respect of the Puerto Rican icon, who described Tellez as a true "warrior." Since that high‑profile encounter, Tellez has been busy preparing for her next test: a showdown with Jessica Barry on the undercard of the highly anticipated MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, which will feature a main‑card clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron.
The fight is scheduled for this Saturday and represents a significant milestone for Tellez, who sees it as both a reward for her earlier bravery and a chance to demonstrate how much she has grown as a boxer. "I believe in myself and I have a lot of heart.
This is something I've always wanted to do, ever since I was a child," Tellez told Sky Sports. "Having somebody that I watched growing up – Amanda Serrano – and then getting the opportunity to fight her meant the world to me. I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, so I accepted the short‑notice challenge." Even though the result against Serrano was a loss, Tellez emphasizes that the experience was invaluable.
"I had a great outcome, even though it wasn't a win. I learned a lot from that fight and I'm grateful for the lessons," she said.
The fight, which went the distance, showcased her durability and willingness to stand toe‑to‑toe with one of the sport's most decorated athletes. Tellez’s professional record now stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier this year, she was slated to meet Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs Holly Holm 2 card, but that bout fell through, leaving her eager for another high‑profile opportunity.
The MVPW‑06 card, celebrating the promotion’s fifth anniversary, provides just that, placing her on a landmark bill that could further elevate her profile. "The Serrano fight put me on a platform I’m on today.
I’m extremely grateful for that chance," Tellez explained. "Without that fight, I don’t think I would have the visibility I have now, nor the confidence to keep pushing forward.
It taught me a lot as a boxer and as a person." She notes a clear evolution in her skill set and mindset since that January showdown. "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda Serrano, or even before that. I feel like I’ve really evolved," she said.
"Seeing the improvements I’ve made over the past few months, and being able to showcase them in the ring, means a great deal to me, my family, and my team. I’m grateful for this opportunity." Serrano, meanwhile, recently celebrated her 50th professional victory with a majority‑decision win over Lucrecia Manzur, retaining both her WBA and WBO featherweight titles.
The bout was streamed live on TikTok and amassed over 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s massive drawing power and the growing interest in women’s boxing. Tellez reflects on Serrano’s impact: "You look at everything she has done; she’s done a lot for the sport. She’s a world champion for a reason, so you always have to give her respect." Reina’s journey into boxing began in Vero Beach, Florida, where she grew up watching fights on television and watching her uncle train at a local gym.
Those early impressions sparked a passion that eventually led her to relocate in pursuit of a professional career. "I told my family I wanted to box, and at first they were hesitant because I was the only girl in the family," she recalled. "But they gave me a chance, took me to the gym, and I’ve been boxing ever since." Today she trains out of San Antonio, Texas, alongside fellow fighter Miranda Reyes.
Texas, with its rich boxing heritage, offered the resources and competition Tellez needed to refine her craft. "Texas is big, boxing is huge in Texas—that’s one of the main reasons I moved here," she explained. "It’s amazing to see people I’ve known since childhood in the same circles now, and I’m happy for everyone from my hometown who gets a chance to succeed. Best of luck to Miranda and to me." The upcoming MVPW‑06 event promises a night of high‑octane action, with not only Tellez and Barry on the undercard but also a headline bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, and a feature appearance by Caroline Dubois.
Fans can catch the fights live on Sky Sports or stream them through the promotion’s contract‑free service. As Tellez steps into the ring this Saturday, she carries the weight of her recent past and the promise of a brighter future. The fight against Barry is more than just another contest; it is a testament to her resilience, her willingness to seize opportunities, and her determination to keep evolving.
Whether she secures a victory or simply showcases the progress she has made, the bout will serve as another chapter in a career defined by courage, hard work, and an unshakable belief in herself.