Reina Tellez is once again stepping onto the global boxing stage, riding a wave of confidence that stems from a bold decision she made earlier this year. At just 23, the American fighter first captured headlines in January when she accepted a challenge to face seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano on a mere 15‑day notice. Though she ultimately lost on points to the Puerto Rican legend, the experience proved to be a turning point in her career, earning her the respect of Serrano, who praised Tellez as a true warrior.
Fast forward to this Saturday, and Tellez is preparing for another high‑profile bout, this time against Jessica Barry on the undercard of the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron main event at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham. The fight is part of MVP’s fifth‑anniversary celebration, and Tellez sees it as a direct result of the exposure she gained from the Serrano showdown. "The Serrano fight put me on a platform I never imagined I’d have," she told Sky Sports.
"Without that experience, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. It taught me a lot, both as a boxer and as a person." Tellez’s professional record now stands at 13‑1‑1, with five wins by knockout. Earlier in her career she was slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs.
Holly Holm 2 card in May, but that matchup fell through, leaving her eager for another opportunity to showcase her growth. The upcoming bout against Barry offers exactly that, giving her a chance to demonstrate the technical and mental improvements she has made since stepping into the ring with Serrano. When asked about her mindset, Tellez emphasized self‑belief and heart.
"I’ve wanted to fight at this level since I was a child," she said. "Seeing someone I grew up watching—Amanda Serrano—step into the ring with me was a dream come true. Even though I didn’t win, I walked away with invaluable lessons and a deeper appreciation for the sport." The Serrano fight also served as a catalyst for Tellez’s personal development.
She reflected, "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda, and I’m not the same person either. Over the past few months I’ve refined my technique, improved my conditioning, and sharpened my ring IQ. This fight against Jessica is a chance to prove that evolution to my family, my team, and to myself." Serrano, meanwhile, recently celebrated her 50th professional victory, securing a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur to retain both the WBA and WBO featherweight titles.
The bout was streamed live on TikTok, drawing 3.4 million views, and underscored Serrano’s status as a dominant force in women’s boxing. Tellez expressed admiration for her former opponent, stating, "You look at everything she has accomplished; she’s a world champion for a reason. I have the utmost respect for her." Tellez’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 leave her hometown in pursuit of better training opportunities. "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 in the sport ever since." Today, Tellez calls San Antonio, Texas, home, training alongside fellow fighter Miranda Reyes. Texas, with its rich boxing heritage, offered her the resources and competitive environment she needed to thrive.
"Boxing is huge in Texas, and that’s why I moved here," she explained. "It’s amazing to see people I’ve known since childhood succeed alongside me. I wish the best for Miranda and for myself as we represent the Lone Star State this weekend." The upcoming MVP event promises a stacked card, featuring not only Tellez and Barry but also headline fights such as Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the lineup. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports or stream it via contract‑free platforms.
In summary, Reina Tellez’s story is one of daring choices, rapid growth, and a relentless drive to prove herself on the world stage. From taking a 15‑day notice fight against a legend to earning a spot on a landmark undercard, she embodies the spirit of a true competitor. As she steps into the ring this Saturday, she carries the lessons from her past, the support of her family, and the ambition to continue evolving—both as a boxer and as an individual.