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 American fighter first captured the public’s attention in January when she answered a challenge from 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 respect of Serrano, who dubbed her a "warrior," and set the tone for what would become a pivotal moment in Tellez’s career. Since that high‑profile bout, Tellez has been preparing for another important fight.
This Saturday, she will face Jessica Barry on the undercard of the highly anticipated main event featuring Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron at MVPW‑06 in Birmingham. The bout is part of MVP’s fifth‑anniversary celebration, and Tellez sees it as a direct result of the exposure she gained from stepping into the ring with Serrano. "I have faith in myself and a huge heart," Tellez told Sky Sports.
"It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Watching Amanda Serrano grow up on television and then getting the chance to fight her was a massive honor. I wanted to make my family proud and prove something to myself, so I accepted despite the short turnaround." Even though the fight with Serrano ended in a points loss, Tellez emphasized the invaluable lessons she took away. "I had a great outcome, even though it wasn’t a win.
I learned a lot and I’m grateful for the experience," she said. The short‑notice fight, she believes, was a catalyst that propelled her onto a larger platform.
Tellez’s professional record stands at 13‑1‑1 with five knockouts. Earlier this year, she was slated to fight Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han versus Holly Holm 2 card, but that matchup fell through, leaving her eager for the next opportunity. The upcoming bout against Barry represents not only a chance to showcase her growth but also a testament to the momentum generated by the Serrano fight.
"The Serrano fight put me on a platform I’m on today. I’m extremely grateful for that," Tellez explained.
"Without that experience, I might not have seen the doors that have opened for my career. It taught me a lot as a boxer and as a person." She stresses that she is no longer the same fighter she was when she stepped into the ring with Serrano. "I feel I’ve evolved dramatically. Over the past few months I’ve made changes in training, mindset, and technique that I’m eager to display in the ring.
This fight means a lot to me, my family, and my team. I’m thankful for the opportunity." Meanwhile, Amanda Serrano recently celebrated her 50th professional win, defeating Lucrecia Manzur by majority decision to retain her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. The fight, streamed live on TikTok, amassed 3.4 million views, underscoring Serrano’s global appeal.
Tellez praised Serrano’s contributions to the sport, noting, "She’s a world champion for a reason, and she deserves respect for everything she’s done for boxing." Tellez’s journey into boxing began in Vero Beach, Florida, where she grew up watching matches on television and watching her uncle train at a local gym. The sport’s allure eventually prompted her to relocate to further her ambitions. "I told my family I wanted to box, and at first they hesitated 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, Tellez trains out of San Antonio, Texas, alongside fellow fighter Miranda Reyes. Texas, with its rich boxing heritage, offered her the environment she needed to hone her skills. "Boxing is huge in Texas, and that’s why I moved here," she said. "Seeing friends from my childhood here and watching them succeed is inspiring.
I wish the best for Miranda and for myself as we represent our state." The upcoming MVP event promises a stacked lineup, with headline fights featuring Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron and a performance from Caroline Dubois. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports or stream via platforms that offer contract‑free boxing. Tellez’s bout against Barry is expected to be a showcase of her refined technique, improved power, and the mental toughness forged from her earlier high‑stakes encounter with Serrano.
As the boxing world looks ahead to 2026’s marquee matchups, Tellez’s story serves as a reminder that bold decisions—like accepting a fight on a two‑week notice—can reshape a career. Her evolution from a promising newcomer to a confident contender illustrates the impact of seizing opportunities, learning from setbacks, and continuously striving for improvement. With her family’s support, a dedicated training team, and a newfound platform, Reina Tellez is poised to make a lasting impression on the sport, proving that perseverance and courage truly pay off in the ring.