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 the public’s 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, the bout proved to be a turning point in her career and earned her the respect of the sport’s elite. Serrano herself described Tellez as a "warrior" after watching her endure the full distance against a vastly more experienced opponent.
Since that high‑profile encounter, Tellez has been preparing for another significant test. She will meet Jessica Barry on the undercard of the highly anticipated MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, which also features a main‑card showdown between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron.
The fight is scheduled for this Saturday, and Tellez says the opportunity feels like a direct reward for the courage she displayed against Serrano. "I believe in myself and I have a lot of heart. This is something I've always wanted to do, ever since I was a child," Tellez told Sky Sports. "Seeing someone I grew up watching—Amanda Serrano—step into the ring with me meant the world.
I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, even though the notice was so short." She continued, "I got a great outcome, even though it wasn't a win. I learned a lot from that fight, and I'm grateful for the experience." Tellez’s professional record now stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier this year, she had been slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm 2 card, but that bout fell through, leaving her eager for a new challenge.
The upcoming fight in Birmingham is part of a landmark card celebrating MVP’s fifth anniversary, and Tellez credits the last‑minute Serrano fight as the catalyst that placed her on this platform. "The Serrano fight put me on a stage I’m on today, and for that I’m extremely grateful," she said.
"Without that experience I wouldn’t have the opportunities I now have in my career and life. It taught me a lot as a boxer and as a person." She added that she feels she has evolved dramatically since that encounter.
"I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda Serrano, or even before that. I’ve grown, refined my technique, and become mentally stronger. Seeing how much I’ve improved over the past few months and being able to showcase those changes in the ring means everything to me, my family, and my team.
I’m truly thankful for this chance." Serrano, meanwhile, recently celebrated her 50th professional victory with a majority‑decision win over Lucrecia Manzur, retaining her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The bout was streamed live on TikTok and amassed 3.4 million views, underscoring her global appeal. Tellez reflected on Serrano’s impact, "When you look at everything she’s done, she’s contributed a lot to the sport.
She’s a world champion for a reason, so you always have to respect her." Tellez’s journey into boxing began in Vero Beach, Florida, where she grew up watching fights on television and observing her uncle train at a local gym. The exposure sparked a passion that eventually led her to relocate for 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. "But 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 for boxing, which is why I moved here," Tellez 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 chances on big stages.
Best of luck to Miranda and to myself." The Texas boxing community is buzzing with anticipation, hoping that Tellez’s performance will signal a new wave of talent from the Lone Star State. Her upcoming bout against Barry will be a key indicator of how far she has come since the Serrano showdown. Fans can catch the full MVPW‑06 card, including the Mayer‑Cameron headline, on Sky Sports or via streaming services that offer contract‑free boxing. The event promises a mix of established stars and rising prospects, with Tellez’s story serving as a compelling narrative of perseverance, rapid growth, and the rewards that come from embracing bold challenges.