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 attention in January when she accepted a short‑notice challenge from seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano. Despite stepping into the ring with only 15 days to prepare, Tellez lasted the full distance, ultimately losing on points to the Puerto Rican legend. That courageous performance earned her Serrano’s admiration—Serrano even dubbed her a "warrior"—and it has set the tone for the next chapter of Tellez’s career.
Now, Tellez is gearing up for another high‑profile bout, this time against Jessica Barry, on the undercard of the highly anticipated main event featuring Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham this Saturday. The fight is part of MVP’s fifth‑anniversary celebration, and Tellez sees it as a direct result of the exposure she gained from the Serrano showdown. "I have faith in myself and a huge heart," Tellez told Sky Sports.
"Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of moments like this. Growing up, I watched Amanda Serrano on TV, and when the chance to fight her came, it meant the world to me. I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, so I accepted despite the short turnaround." She continued, "Even though I didn’t win, the experience was invaluable.
I learned a lot and I’m grateful for everything that fight taught me." Tellez’s professional record stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier in the year she was slated to meet Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm II card, but that matchup fell through, leaving her eager for another opportunity to showcase her skills. The upcoming bout against Barry is more than just another fight; it is a platform for Tellez to demonstrate how much she has grown since the Serrano encounter.
"The fight with Serrano put me on a platform I’m still riding today," she explained. "Without that experience, I don’t think I’d have the opportunities I have now. It taught me lessons both inside the ring and outside of it." She reflected on her evolution, saying, "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda.
I feel like I’ve truly evolved. The progress I’ve made over the past few months—both technically and mentally—will be on display this weekend. This fight means everything to me, my family, and my team. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance." Serrano, meanwhile, recently celebrated her 50th professional victory, securing a majority‑decision win over Lucrecia Manzur to retain her WBA and WBO featherweight titles.
The bout was streamed live on TikTok and amassed 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s global appeal. Tellez praised the champion, noting, "When you look at everything Amanda has accomplished, you see why she’s a world champion. She deserves all the respect in the sport." Tellez’s journey into boxing began in her hometown of Vero Beach, Florida.
As a child she spent countless hours watching fights on television and watching her uncle train at a local gym. Those early impressions sparked a desire to step into the sport herself. "I told my family I wanted to box, but 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." Seeking higher‑level competition and better training facilities, Tellez eventually relocated to San Antonio, Texas.
She now trains alongside fellow Texas‑based fighter Miranda Reyes, representing a state with a storied boxing heritage. "Texas is huge, and boxing is massive here. That’s a big reason I moved. It’s amazing to see people I’ve known since I was a kid still around, and I’m proud to give back to my community by showing that anyone from here can make it on the world stage," she said.
The upcoming MVP event promises a stacked card, with headline fights featuring Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron and a performance by Caroline Dubois. Tellez’s undercard appearance adds further intrigue, as fans will be eager to see how the lessons learned from her high‑profile loss have translated into new strengths and strategies.
In summary, Reina Tellez’s story is one of perseverance, rapid growth, and the willingness to seize opportunities—even when the odds seem stacked against her. From a teenage girl watching fights on TV in Florida to a professional boxer sharing the undercard of a major UK event, her trajectory illustrates how a single courageous decision—answering Serrano’s call on short notice—can catalyze a career. As she steps into the ring this Saturday, Tellez carries not only her own ambitions but also the hopes of her family, her team, and the Texas boxing community that has embraced her.
The fight against Jessica Barry will be a litmus test of her evolution, and many will be watching to see just how far she has come since that unforgettable night with Amanda Serrano.