Reina Tellez is once again stepping onto the global boxing stage, buoyed by the confidence that comes from taking bold risks. The 23‑year‑old British‑American fighter first captured widespread attention 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 bout proved to be a turning point in her career, earning her praise from Serrano herself, who dubbed her a true "warrior." Today, Tellez is preparing for another high‑profile appearance, this time against Jessica Barry on the undercard of the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron main event at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, scheduled for this Saturday.
"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 chance to fight her meant the world to me.
I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, so I accepted the fight despite the short notice." She added, "I got a great outcome, even though it wasn't a win. I learned a lot from that night and I’m grateful for the experience." The fight against Serrano, while not resulting in a victory, gave Tellez invaluable exposure and a platform that has propelled her toward the upcoming bout with Barry. Tellez’s professional record now stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts.
Earlier in her career she was slated to meet Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han versus Holly Holm 2 card in May, but that matchup fell through, leaving her searching for a new opportunity. The upcoming MVP event marks a milestone for both the promoter—celebrating its fifth anniversary—and for Tellez, who sees the Serrano fight as the catalyst that opened doors to this headline‑making card. "The Serrano fight put me on a platform I’m on today, and I’m extremely grateful for that," she explained.
"Without that experience, I wouldn’t have the clarity or the momentum I need in my career. It taught me lessons both inside the ring and as a person." She continued, "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda Serrano, nor the fighter I was before that. I’ve evolved a great deal.
Seeing how much I’ve improved over the past few months, and being able to showcase those changes in the ring, means a lot to me, my family, and my team. I’m truly thankful for this chance." Serrano herself recently celebrated her 50th professional win, securing a majority‑decision victory over Lucrecia Manzur to retain her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The fight streamed live on TikTok and attracted roughly 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s global appeal. Tellez remarked, "When you look at everything Amanda has accomplished, you see how much she’s contributed to the sport.
She’s a world champion for a reason, and she deserves every ounce of respect." Born and raised in Vero Beach, Florida, Tellez fell in love with boxing as a child, watching matches on television while her uncle trained at a local gym. The sport’s allure eventually prompted her to relocate to further her development. "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, alongside fellow fighter Miranda Reyes.
Texas, known for its rich boxing heritage, offered the environment she needed to sharpen her skills. "Boxing is huge in Texas, and that’s a big reason I moved here," she said. "Seeing people I’ve known since childhood succeed here is inspiring.
I’m proud to represent my home state and wish the best for Miranda and everyone else chasing their dreams." The upcoming MVPW‑06 event promises a stacked lineup, with headline bouts featuring Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, as well as a performance from rising star Caroline Dubois. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports or stream via the platform’s contract‑free boxing service. Tellez’s fight against Barry will be a key moment in her journey, offering her the chance to demonstrate the growth she’s achieved since the Serrano showdown.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the bout serves as a testament to Tellez’s resilience and willingness to seize opportunities, even when they arrive on short notice. Her story illustrates how a single daring decision—accepting a fight against a legend with only two weeks to prepare—can reshape a boxer’s trajectory, leading to greater visibility, stronger support networks, and the confidence to aim even higher.
As the Saturday night card approaches, Tellez remains focused on delivering a performance that honors her hard work, her family’s support, and the lessons learned from fighting one of the sport’s most decorated champions. Whether she secures a win or simply showcases her evolution, the fight will add another compelling chapter to the narrative of a young fighter who refuses to shy away from challenges, and who continues to chase greatness with every punch she throws.