Fortune often smiles on the daring in the world of boxing, and Reina Tellez is currently capitalising on the momentum generated by her own bravery as she steps back onto the international stage. The 23‑year‑old first captured attention in January when she accepted a challenge to fight seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano on a mere 15‑day notice. Although the bout ended in a points loss for Tellez, she went the distance against the Puerto Rican legend, earning widespread respect. Serrano herself described Tellez as a "warrior" after the encounter, a label that now fuels Tellez’s confidence as she prepares for her next test.
This Saturday, she will square off against Jessica Barry on the undercard of the highly anticipated Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron main event at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham. The fight represents a crucial stepping stone in Tellez’s career, and she spoke to Sky Sports about the personal significance of the opportunity. "I have faith in myself and a huge amount of heart. This is something I've dreamed of since I was a child," Tellez explained.
"Seeing someone I admired growing up—Amanda Serrano—on the same canvas as me meant the world. I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, so I accepted the fight despite the short preparation time." She added, "Even though I didn’t win, the experience was invaluable. I walked away grateful and with a lot to learn." Tellez’s professional record stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier in the year, she had been slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs.
Holly Holm II card in May, but that bout never materialised. Now, as part of MVP’s landmark fifth‑anniversary card, Tellez credits her willingness to step up against Serrano as the catalyst for this new opportunity. "The Serrano fight gave me a platform I still benefit from today. Without that chance, I doubt I’d be where I am now, both in life and in my career.
It taught me a great deal as a boxer and as a person," she reflected. "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda Serrano, nor the fighter I was before that. I’ve evolved dramatically." She continued, "Seeing the improvements I’ve made over the past few months, the adjustments I’ve incorporated into my style, and being able to showcase them in the ring means a great deal to me, my family, and my team. I’m truly grateful for this fight." Serrano, meanwhile, recently celebrated her 50th professional victory, securing a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur to retain both her WBA and WBO featherweight titles.
The bout streamed live on TikTok, amassing roughly 3.4 million views throughout the night. "When you look at everything Amanda has accomplished, you realise she’s done a lot for the sport. She’s a world champion for a reason, and she deserves every ounce of respect," Tellez said, acknowledging her opponent’s legacy. Reina’s journey into boxing began in her hometown of Vero Beach, Florida, where she grew up watching fights on television and observing her uncle train at a local gym.
The exposure sparked a passion that eventually led her to relocate to further her career. "I told my family I wanted to box, and at first they were hesitant because I was the only girl," she recalled.
"But they gave me a chance, took me to the gym, and I’ve been boxing ever since." Today, Tellez trains out of San Antonio, Texas, joining fellow fighter Miranda Reyes as one of the state’s prominent representatives in the sport. Texas, with its rich boxing heritage, was a deliberate choice for her relocation.
"Boxing is huge in Texas, and that was a major reason for my move," she explained. "It’s amazing to see people I’ve known since childhood here now, and I’m proud that athletes from my background are getting these opportunities.
Best of luck to Miranda and to myself." The upcoming MVP card not only showcases Tellez’s rise but also highlights a broader Texas resurgence in the sport, hinting at a possible "Texas takeover" in the coming months. Fans can catch the main event—Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron—along with Caroline Dubois’s bout, live on Sky Sports this Saturday.
For those without a traditional contract, streaming options are available to watch the action without commitment. In summary, Reina Tellez’s willingness to answer a short‑notice challenge against a legend has propelled her into the spotlight, earning her respect, experience, and a coveted spot on a major undercard. Her story underscores the value of courage, perseverance, and the belief that taking bold risks can open doors to new horizons in a boxer’s career.