Reina Tellez’s rise in the boxing world is a story of daring, perseverance, and rapid growth. The 23‑year‑old fighter first captured the public’s attention in January when she stepped up on a mere two‑week notice to square off against seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano. Though the bout ended in a points decision loss, the experience proved to be a pivotal moment in Tellez’s career, earning her the respect of the Puerto Rican legend, who described her as a true warrior.
Since that high‑profile clash, Tellez has continued to build momentum, and she now heads into a new challenge on the undercard of the headline fight between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham. Her opponent this Saturday will be Jessica Barry, and the bout carries extra significance because it is part of MVP’s fifth‑anniversary celebration, a milestone event that showcases the promotion’s most promising talents.
When Sky Sports asked Tellez about her journey, she emphasized self‑belief and heart. "I’ve always dreamed of this since I was a kid," she said. "Seeing someone I admired growing up—Amanda Serrano—on the same ring as me was a huge honor.
I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, even with the short notice." Tellez reflected on the outcome of the Serrano fight, noting that while she didn’t secure a victory, the experience was invaluable. "I learned a lot, and I’m grateful for the chance to test myself against a champion," she explained.
The fight, which went the distance, helped her understand the level of preparation, strategy, and mental toughness required to compete at the top of the sport. Before the Serrano showdown, Tellez’s professional record stood at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. She was originally slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs.
Holly Holm II card in May, but that matchup fell through, leaving her searching for a new opportunity. The unexpected call‑up to face Serrano turned out to be a blessing in disguise, catapulting her onto a larger platform and opening doors that might otherwise have remained closed. In her own words, the Serrano fight was a catalyst for everything that followed.
"Without that bout, I don’t think I’d have the visibility I have today," Tellez said. "It taught me lessons both inside and outside the ring, and it forced me to evolve as a boxer and as a person.
I’m not the same fighter I was before; I’ve grown, refined my technique, and gained confidence in my abilities." Now, as she prepares for Barry, Tellez feels the weight of the moment. "This fight means a lot to my family, my team, and me," she affirmed. "I want to show how far I’ve come in the past few months and demonstrate the improvements I’ve made." Serrano herself recently celebrated her 50th professional win, retaining her WBA and WBO featherweight titles with a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur. The fight was streamed live on TikTok and amassed 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s global appeal.
Tellez expressed deep admiration for the champion, saying, "She’s a world champion for a reason, and she deserves every ounce of respect." Tellez’s love affair with boxing began in Vero Beach, Florida, where she grew up watching fights on television and watching her uncle train at a local gym. The sport’s allure prompted her to relocate 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.
"Eventually 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, with its rich boxing heritage, offered the environment she needed to sharpen her skills.
"Boxing is huge here, and moving to Texas was a strategic decision," she explained. "Seeing familiar faces from my past in the local scene is inspiring, and I’m proud to represent my home state on a big stage." The upcoming MVP event promises an exciting night of action, featuring not only Tellez and Barry but also marquee names like Mikaela Mayer, Chantelle Cameron, and Caroline Dubois. Fans can catch the fights live on Sky Sports or stream them via a contract‑free boxing service.
As the bell rings this Saturday, Reina Tellez will step into the ring with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with the lessons learned from her brief yet impactful encounter with Amanda Serrano. The journey from a 15‑day notice challenger to a confident contender illustrates how a single daring decision can reshape a career, and Tellez is eager to prove that she is ready for the next chapter of her boxing story.