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. Although she ultimately lost on points to the Puerto Rican legend, her gritty performance earned her the admiration of Serrano herself, who dubbed her a "warrior" and praised her tenacity.
That experience has become a cornerstone of Tellez's career. She now heads into a high‑profile undercard bout against Jessica Barry at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, an event that also features a main fight between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron. Speaking to Sky Sports, Tellez explained that her confidence stems from a lifelong love of boxing and a deep‑seated belief in her own heart and determination.
"I’ve wanted to fight at this level since I was a child," she said. "Seeing someone I grew up watching, like Amanda Serrano, step into the ring with me was a dream come true. It meant a great deal to my family and to me personally, even though the result wasn’t a win. I walked away with valuable lessons and a profound sense of gratitude." Tellez’s professional record currently stands at 13 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with five victories coming by knockout.
Earlier in her career she was slated to meet Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han versus Holly Holm II card in May, but that matchup fell through, leaving her to seek other opportunities. The upcoming fight marks a significant milestone for the MVP promotion, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Tellez attributes much of her present visibility to the Serrano bout, describing it as a catalyst that propelled her onto a larger platform. "If I hadn’t taken that fight, I doubt I would have the chances I have now," she reflected.
"It taught me both as a boxer and as a person. I’ve evolved dramatically since that night, and the progress I’ve made over the past few months is something I’m eager to showcase in the ring. This fight is not just another match; it’s a statement for me, my family, and my team." While Tellez was preparing for her next challenge, Serrano continued to add to her own storied legacy, securing her 50th professional win with a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur, thereby retaining her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The fight was streamed live on TikTok and amassed over 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s global appeal.
Tellez expressed deep respect for her former opponent, noting, "Amanda has done a lot for the sport. She’s a world champion for a reason, and I always give her the respect she deserves." Tellez’s journey into boxing began in Vero Beach, Florida, where she spent countless hours watching fights on television and observing her uncle train at a local gym. Those early exposures sparked a passion that eventually led her to relocate in pursuit of better training and competition. "When I told my family I wanted to box, they were hesitant at first because I was the only girl," she recalled.
"But they gave me a chance, took me to the gym, and I’ve never looked back." Today, Tellez trains out of San Antonio, Texas, sharing a gym with fellow fighter Miranda Reyes. Texas, with its rich boxing heritage, offers a supportive environment that aligns with her ambitions.
"Boxing is huge here, and that’s why I moved," she explained. "Seeing familiar faces from my past in the local scene is inspiring, and I’m proud to represent my roots alongside other Texas fighters." Looking ahead, Tellez hopes her story will inspire other young athletes, especially women, to pursue boxing despite traditional barriers. She emphasizes that the sport has taught her resilience, discipline, and the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they arrive on short notice. As she prepares to face Barry, Tellez is focused on demonstrating the improvements she’s made in technique, power, and ring IQ, all while honoring the support network that has propelled her forward.
Fans can catch the MVPW‑06 event, including the main bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, live on Sky Sports. The card also features rising star Caroline Dubois, promising an exciting night of high‑caliber boxing. Whether you’re watching in the UK, the US, or elsewhere, the event showcases a blend of seasoned champions and hungry up‑and‑comers, illustrating the sport’s vibrant future.
In summary, Reina Tellez’s career trajectory illustrates how a single courageous decision—answering a fight on a 15‑day notice—can reshape a boxer’s path. The experience against Serrano not only elevated her profile but also instilled a deeper belief in her own capabilities.
As she steps into the ring this Saturday, she does so with a renewed sense of purpose, a refined skill set, and an unwavering commitment to honor the sacrifices of her family, coaches, and supporters. The fight against Jessica Barry is more than a contest; it is a testament to Tellez’s evolution, perseverance, and the bright future that lies ahead for this determined warrior.