Reina Tellez is once again riding the wave of her own daring spirit as she steps back onto the global boxing stage. The 23‑year‑old first captured the public’s attention in January when she agreed to meet seven‑division champion Amanda Serrano on just a 15‑day notice.
Though she ultimately lost on points to the Puerto Rican legend, she proved she could go the distance against one of the sport’s most formidable figures. Serrano herself described Tellez as a true "warrior" after that gritty performance, a label that now fuels her confidence as she prepares for her next bout. This Saturday, Tellez will appear on the undercard of the high‑profile MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, supporting the main attraction featuring Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron. Her opponent will be Jessica Barry, a matchup that offers Tellez a chance to showcase the growth she has achieved since the Serrano fight.
"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. She added that fighting Serrano, a boxer she admired while growing up, was a dream come true and a pivotal moment for her family. "I took the short‑notice fight because it meant everything to me," she explained.
"Even though I didn’t win, I learned a great deal and I’m grateful for the experience." Tellez’s professional record now stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier in the year, she was slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm 2 card, but that bout fell through, leaving her eager for another opportunity. The upcoming fight on the MVP card marks a significant milestone: the promotion is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and Tellez sees her willingness to step up against Serrano as the catalyst that put her on this prominent platform.
"The Serrano fight gave me the exposure I have today. Without it, I doubt I would have reached this point in my career," she said. "It taught me valuable lessons both inside the ring and as a person." Since that high‑profile encounter, Tellez feels she has evolved dramatically. "I’m not the same fighter I was when I faced Amanda Serrano, or even the fights before that.
I’ve grown, refined my technique, and become more confident," she reflected. She emphasized that the upcoming bout means a great deal to her, her family, and her team, and she is eager to demonstrate the improvements she has made over the past few months.
Meanwhile, Serrano recently celebrated her 50th professional victory, securing a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur to retain her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The fight streamed live on TikTok and amassed 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s massive following and the growing interest in women’s boxing. Tellez praised her opponent, noting, "She’s a world champion for a reason, and she deserves every ounce of respect she gets." Tellez’s journey into 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 eventually prompted her to relocate in pursuit of higher‑level training. "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, sharing the spotlight with fellow fighter Miranda Reyes as the state’s representatives for the MVP event.
Texas, with its rich boxing heritage, attracted Tellez for its vibrant scene and opportunities. "Boxing is huge in Texas, and that’s why I moved here," she said. "Seeing people I’ve known since childhood in the same arena is amazing.
I hope others from my hometown get the same chances. Good luck to Miranda and to me." The upcoming MVP card promises a night of compelling matchups, with the main event featuring Mikaela Mayer against Chantelle Cameron and a showcase appearance by Caroline Dubois.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports or stream it without a contract via the platform’s boxing service. As Tellez steps into the ring against Barry, she carries not only the lessons from her daring short‑notice fight with Serrano but also the hopes of a growing fan base eager to see her continue her ascent in the sport. In summary, Reina Tellez’s story is one of bold decisions, rapid development, and a relentless drive to prove herself. From a teenage girl inspired by televised bouts to a professional contender earning a spot on a major undercard, her evolution exemplifies the spirit of modern women’s boxing.
The upcoming fight will be a testament to how far she has come and a preview of the potential she holds for the future.