Fortune truly favors the bold, and in the unforgiving world of professional boxing, Reina Tellez is living proof of that adage, riding the surging momentum of her own unwavering valor as she steps onto the world stage once more. This exclusive report from sportsamo.com details the journey of a fighter who embodies courage and resilience, now poised for her next challenge on a major international stage. The 23-year-old phenom first captured widespread attention and respect back in January when she fearlessly accepted a monumental challenge: stepping into the ring against the legendary seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano on an astonishingly short 15 days’ notice. Her subsequent performance, a gritty, determined effort that saw her go the distance in a points defeat to the iconic Puerto Rican, cemented her reputation as a formidable and courageous competitor.
Serrano herself, a pugilistic titan known for her own relentless spirit, hailed Tellez as a ‘warrior’ for her gutsy showing – a testament to the young fighter’s heart and burgeoning skill set. Now, Tellez is preparing for her next significant test, a showdown against Jessica Barry, set to unfold on the undercard of the highly anticipated Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron main event at MVPW-06 in Birmingham, England, this Saturday. This fight is not just another bout; it’s a statement, a testament to Tellez’s rapid ascent and her unyielding belief in her own destiny.
"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 revealed to Sky Sports, her voice resonating with conviction. "Having somebody that I watched growing up – Amanda Serrano – and then having the opportunity to fight her, it meant so much to me. And to make my family proud and to prove something to myself. So, I took it considering the short time."
The decision to face "The Real Deal" Amanda Serrano, a bona fide pound-for-pound elite with a career spanning decades and a collection of titles across multiple weight classes, was nothing short of audacious. Serrano, known for her aggressive style, devastating power, and relentless pace, typically requires opponents to undergo extensive, specialized training camps. Tellez, stepping in with barely two weeks to prepare, faced an uphill battle against not only one of the sport’s all-time greats but also the immense pressure and logistical nightmares of a last-minute fight. Her ability to endure all rounds against such a force, showcasing her defensive capabilities, mental fortitude, and sheer toughness, immediately put the boxing world on notice. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a revelation of character and potential.
"I had a great outcome, even though it wasn’t a win. I got a lot of things from that fight. Like I said, I’m grateful," Tellez continued, reflecting on the invaluable experience. This perspective highlights a maturity beyond her years, recognizing that some defeats can be more beneficial than easy victories, serving as crucibles for growth and self-discovery. The Serrano fight provided Tellez with an unparalleled learning curve, exposing her to the highest level of competition and revealing areas for improvement that can only be identified under such intense pressure.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Alycia Baumgardner took everyone by surprise including Mikaela Mayer as she grabbed the mic and asked her former rival a question at the press conference
With a professional record standing at an impressive 13-1-1 with 5 knockouts, Tellez has consistently demonstrated her capabilities in the ring. Her lone loss came against Serrano, and her draw was early in her career. This record showcases her ability to win consistently, often by stoppage, indicating respectable power for her weight class, likely around featherweight or super featherweight, where she previously competed against Serrano. Prior to this Birmingham opportunity, Tellez had been slated to face Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm 2 card in May, a fight that ultimately did not materialize. However, as often happens in boxing, one door’s closure led to another, grander opening.
She now finds herself featured on a landmark bill as MVP (Most Valuable Promotions) celebrates its fifth anniversary this weekend, a significant milestone for the promotional company co-founded by Jake Paul, which has rapidly become a major player in combat sports. Tellez unequivocally credits her courageous decision to fight Serrano at last-minute notice as the pivotal catalyst for her latest opportunity to shine under such bright lights.
"The Serrano fight got me on a platform like I am today. For that, I’m extremely grateful," she continued, emphasizing the profound impact of that defining moment. "I feel like without that fight, I wouldn’t be able to see the things that I need in my life and in my career to keep being successful and keep being Reina. It taught me a lot as a boxer and as a person."
This self-awareness is a rare and valuable asset in a sport where ego often reigns supreme. Tellez’s willingness to learn from a defeat against an all-time great speaks volumes about her dedication to continuous improvement. She is not resting on the laurels of her past bravery; instead, she is actively working to evolve her craft.
"It means a lot to me. I’m not the same fighter that I was when I fought Amanda Serrano, and even my fights before that, I feel like I’ve really evolved," she asserted. This evolution likely encompasses a refinement of her technique, perhaps an enhanced understanding of range and timing, improved footwork, and a more strategic approach to her aggression. "So to see how much better I’ve got over the past couple of months and the changes that I’ve made that I can showcase in the ring, it means a lot to me. This fight means so much to me, my family, and my team. So I’m grateful for it."
Her opponent, Jessica Barry, represents a fresh challenge for Tellez. While less heralded than Serrano, Barry is a professional fighter with her own ambitions, eager to make a name for herself on such a prominent card. For Tellez, this fight is an opportunity to demonstrate the tangible improvements she has made, to validate the hard lessons learned, and to prove that the ‘warrior’ spirit Serrano admired is now backed by an even sharper skill set. The undercard placement on the Mayer-Cameron bill is also significant. Mayer vs. Cameron is a unification bout at super lightweight (140 lbs), pitting two of women’s boxing’s elite against each other, ensuring a global audience and heightened scrutiny for every fight on the card.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Caroline Dubois was not shy about talking to Amelia Moore at their head to head and the American didn’t appear to be enjoying the long conversation!
The respect Tellez holds for Amanda Serrano remains palpable. Serrano recently further cemented her legacy, clinching the 50th win of her professional career with a majority decision victory over Lucrecia Manzur to retain her WBA and WBO featherweight titles. This milestone underscored Serrano’s enduring dominance and her tireless efforts to elevate women’s boxing. The Manzur fight, notably broadcast live on TikTok, drew an astounding total of 3.4 million views across the night, showcasing Serrano’s unparalleled reach and her pioneering role in bringing the sport to new, diverse audiences.
"You look at everything she (Serrano) has done, she’s done a lot for the sport," said Tellez, acknowledging Serrano’s profound impact. "She’s a world champion for a reason. So you have to always give respect to her too."
Tellez’s journey into boxing began organically during her childhood in Vero Beach, Florida. She was captivated by the sport, regularly watching fights on television, and inspired by seeing her uncle train at the local gym. This early exposure ignited a passion that would eventually prompt her to make a significant relocation to further her career inside the squared circle.
"I told them I wanted to box, and at first they didn’t want to because I’m the only girl in the family," she recalled, highlighting the initial resistance she faced. In many cultures, and even within some families in the West, boxing is still seen as a male-dominated sport, making Tellez’s pursuit a brave departure from traditional expectations. "And then they took their chance on it, they took me to the gym, and since then I’ve just been boxing." This pivotal moment, where her family decided to support her unconventional dream, speaks to the deep-seated support that underpins her fierce independence in the ring.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chantelle Cameron says Mikaela Mayer’s pre-fight talk is a sign of lacking confidence and she’s certain of winning a close contest in Birmingham
These days, Tellez operates out of San Antonio, Texas, a state with a rich and storied boxing heritage, boasting numerous world champions and Hall of Famers like George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya, and "Jesse" James Leija. She is one of two fighters, alongside Miranda Reyes, representing the Lone Star State this weekend on the MVPW-06 card.
"Texas is big, boxing is huge in Texas, that’s one of the main reasons I actually moved to Texas," she explained, underscoring the state’s vibrant combat sports scene. The move from Florida to Texas was a calculated career decision, placing her in a hotbed of talent and opportunity, with access to top-tier gyms and sparring partners. "It’s just crazy to see people that I’ve known since even as a kid be here. And I’m happy for everybody who comes from where I come from to be able to get the opportunity. So best of luck to Miranda and to me."
The idea of a "Texas takeover" on the international stage is not far-fetched, given the quality of fighters the state consistently produces. For Tellez, this fight in Birmingham is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a representation of her journey, her growth, and the collective spirit of ambition that drives fighters from her adopted home.
Texas takeover incoming? "For sure," Tellez affirmed with confidence, a subtle nod to the growing presence of Texan talent on boxing’s biggest platforms. As she prepares to step into the ring against Jessica Barry, Reina Tellez is not just fighting for herself; she’s fighting for her family, for her team, and for every young girl who dares to dream beyond conventional boundaries, proving that courage, hard work, and an unwavering heart can indeed lead to the world stage. Her performance in Birmingham will be a critical indicator of her trajectory in the sport, a true test of the evolution she promises, and another chapter in the compelling story of a fighter who truly embodies the warrior spirit.
