Reina Tellez is once again stepping onto the global boxing platform, buoyed by the confidence that comes from taking bold risks. The 23‑year‑old first captured widespread attention in January when she answered a call to fight seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano on merely a two‑week notice. Although she ultimately lost on points, the bout demonstrated her courage and earned her the respect of the Puerto Rican legend, who later described Tellez as a true "warrior." Today, that same tenacity is propelling her toward another high‑profile appearance, this time on the undercard of the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron showdown at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, where she will meet Jessica Barry. "I have faith in myself and a massive heart," Tellez told Sky Sports.
"Since I was a kid, I've dreamed of moments like this. Growing up watching Amanda Serrano dominate the sport, then getting the chance to share the ring with her, was a childhood fantasy come true.
I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, so I accepted the fight despite the short turnaround." Even though the outcome was not a victory, Tellez emphasized the valuable lessons she took away from the experience. "I walked away grateful," she said.
"The fight gave me insight, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the sport." Her professional record now stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier in her career, Tellez was slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm II card in May, but that bout fell through, leaving her hungry for another opportunity to showcase her growth. This weekend’s fight is part of MVP’s fifth‑anniversary celebration, a milestone event that Tellez credits to the exposure she gained from stepping up against Serrano.
"That fight put me on a platform I never imagined having," she reflected. "If I hadn't taken that risk, I doubt I would have earned the chance to fight on such a significant card today. It changed my trajectory both inside and outside the ring." She added that the experience has reshaped her as both a boxer and a person.
"I'm not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda. I've evolved, refined my technique, and built mental resilience.
Seeing how much I've improved over the past few months—and being able to demonstrate those changes in the ring—means the world to me, my family, and my team." Serrano, meanwhile, recently celebrated her 50th professional win with a majority‑decision triumph over Lucrecia Manzur, retaining both her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The bout streamed live on TikTok, amassing 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s global appeal. Tellez expressed admiration for the champion, noting, "She’s a world champion for a reason; she’s done a lot for the sport, and she deserves every ounce of respect." Tellez’s journey began in Vero Beach, Florida, where she grew up watching boxing on television and observing her uncle train at a local gym.
Those early impressions sparked a passion that eventually led her to relocate for better training opportunities. "When I told my family I wanted to box, 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 fighting ever since." Today, she trains out of San Antonio, Texas, alongside fellow fighter Miranda Reyes, representing a state with a rich boxing heritage.
"Texas is huge for boxing, which is why I moved here," Tellez explained. "Seeing familiar faces from my childhood in the gym now is incredible. I’m proud to open doors for other fighters from my background, and I wish the best for Miranda and everyone else pursuing their dreams." As the Texas contingent prepares to make its mark, fans can look forward to an exciting night of boxing.
In addition to Tellez’s bout, the main event features Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. The fights will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and viewers have the option to stream the action without a contract through various platforms. Reina Tellez’s story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, even when the odds seem daunting. Her willingness to step up on short notice against a legend not only earned her respect but also set the stage for future success.
As she steps into the ring this Saturday, she does so with a renewed sense of purpose, a refined skill set, and the unwavering support of her family and fans. The upcoming fight against Jessica Barry isn’t just another contest; it’s a milestone that reflects her evolution from a daring underdog to a confident contender ready to carve out her own legacy in the sport.