Reina Tellez is once again stepping onto the global boxing platform, fueled by the daring spirit that has defined her career. The 23‑year‑old first captured headlines in January when she answered a call to face seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano on just a fifteen‑day notice. Although she ultimately lost on points, the bout showcased her resilience and earned her the respect of the Puerto Rican legend, who praised Tellez as a true warrior. That experience has become a springboard for Tellez’s next challenge.
This Saturday she will square off against Jessica Barry on the undercard of the high‑profile MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, which also features a main bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron. Speaking to Sky Sports, Tellez explained the personal significance of her journey: "I have always believed in myself and I have a lot of heart.
This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Watching Amanda Serrano grow up on TV 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." Even though the outcome against Serrano was a loss, Tellez emphasized the valuable lessons she took away: "I walked away with a great experience, even if I didn’t win.
I’m grateful for everything I learned in that ring." Her professional record now stands at 13 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with five victories coming by knockout. Earlier in the year she had been slated to meet Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han versus Holly Holm 2 card, but that bout fell through, leaving her eager for another opportunity. The upcoming fight is part of a landmark card celebrating MVP’s fifth anniversary, and Tellez credits the last‑minute Serrano showdown as the catalyst that elevated her profile.
"The fight with Serrano put me on a platform I’m on today, and I’m extremely thankful for that," she said. "Without that experience I wouldn’t have the clarity and direction I need to keep succeeding as Reina.
It taught me a lot both as a boxer and as a person." She reflected on her evolution since that pivotal night: "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda Serrano, or even the fights before that. I feel I’ve truly grown. Seeing how much I’ve improved over the past few months, and being able to demonstrate those changes in the ring, means everything to me, my family, and my team.
I’m grateful for this chance." Meanwhile, Serrano recently marked her 50th professional victory with a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur, retaining her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The bout streamed live on TikTok and amassed 3.4 million views, underscoring her global appeal. Tellez praised her opponent’s legacy, stating, "When you look at everything Amanda has accomplished, you see why she’s a world champion.
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 move in order to pursue a professional career.
"I told my family I wanted to box, and at first they were hesitant because I was the only girl," she recalled. "Then they gave me a chance, took me to the gym, and I’ve been boxing 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, and boxing is huge here. That’s a big reason I moved to Texas," she explained. "It’s amazing to see people I’ve known since childhood still around, and I’m proud that athletes from my hometown are getting opportunities.
Best of luck to Miranda and to myself." As the weekend approaches, anticipation builds for the full MVPW‑06 lineup, which also includes a showdown between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois on the card as well. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports or stream the event through a contract‑free boxing platform. Tellez’s story—marked by bold decisions, rapid turnarounds, and relentless growth—exemplifies the daring spirit that makes boxing compelling, and her upcoming bout promises to add another exciting chapter to her rising career.