SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – December 30, 2025 – Today at Plaza del Quinto Centenario (Plaza del Tótem) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-4-1, 31 KOs) and Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated Reina Tellez (13-0-1, 5 KOs) came face to face at the final press conference ahead of their highly anticipated showdown on Saturday, January 3 from Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live globally on DAZN, marking the last war of words before fight night. Tickets for Serrano vs. Tellez are on sale now at prticket.com.
Fighters across the main card and undercard, including the most dominant two-sport athlete in combat sports history, former boxing and UFC champion, MVP’s Holly Holm (34-2-3, 9 KOs), MVP’s reigning WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (11-0, 3 KOs), and a stacked slate of talent set to compete during fight week. Also in attendance were MVP’s Krystal Rosado (7-1, 2 KOs), MVP’s Ebanie Bridges (9-2, 4 KOs), MVP’s Yankiel Rivera (7-0-1, 3 KOs) and Jonathan Gonzalez (28-4-1, 14 KOs), who will now face off in a 12-round bout for the WBA Interim flyweight world title at 112 lbs. Additional fighters in attendance included, MVP’s Jan Paul Rivera (13-0, 7 KOs), Alfredo Cruz (10-3-1, 5 KOs), Henry Lebron (20-0, 10 KOs), Chris Echevarria (9-1, 4 KOs), Gabriel Bernardi (7-3, 3 KOs), MVP’s newest signee which was announced at the press conference, Elise Soto (9-0, 8 KOs), Abner Figueroa (7-0, 1 KO), and Edwin Rodriguez (12-9, 5 KOs). Serrano vs. Tellez features sixteen Boricua fighters, making the event one of the most Puerto Rico–powered cards in MVP history and a true celebration of the island’s boxing legacy.
Hosted by Pepe Calderón, the fighters had plenty to say at the press conference about their upcoming matchups. See quotes below and view the full press conference on MVP’s YouTube and DAZN’s YouTube.
AMANDA SERRANO QUOTES
On the recent Anthony Joshua accident
“I also want to say my condolences and respect for what happened with AJ. His best friends passed away. So I want them to rest in peace and AJ to have a full speedy recovery. My heart goes out to them and the family. I’m just praying for them.”
On fighting in Puerto Rico and how she feels ahead of Saturday
“I’m super excited to be here. The last time I fought in Puerto Rico was right here [at Plaza del Tótem]. The ring was right here in the middle, and I got a stoppage. It was an amazing night, and I’m excited to be here again with this amazing card, amazing fighters, and amazing women. You guys are in for a treat Saturday night.”
On what emotions she expects when she steps out of the ring
“It’s a different emotion when I fight here in Puerto Rico because the love is real and genuine…and we bring it differently. Latinos bring it differently. Boricuas bring it differently. So, it’s going to be nice, and everyone on the card is going to feel the energy in that arena. Everyone is just going to bring out the best in one another, and come Saturday night, it’s just going to be a great night. I can’t say it enough.”
On the importance of competing in three-minute rounds
“Because we want change for the future. I’ve been in the game for 17 years, and I want these women to get the equality, get the bigger pay days, get recognition, and get platforms. With MVP, we’re definitely doing that. We’re doing that, but we need a lot more visuals. A lot more people are backing us up as well. These women, as amateurs, they’re fighting three minutes, so why not do it as a pro? They have to change their whole gameplan. They have to change their whole game and style to become professionals, but I just think it’s better for us women to be able to display our skills and our knockout power. On Saturday night, you’ll see most of these women here are fighting three-minute rounds thanks to MVP. They’re giving us the opportunity, and I’m hoping that we can all get together and one day make a change so women’s boxing can be equal to the men’s.”
On her and Reina respect each other while being competitors
“This is the business. We can be nice to each other outside. Obviously, you’ve seen all of my fights. I’ve never been disrespectful to any of my opponents. But when we go in there, we put in that work, and we make sure the fans get what they paid for, and we’re going to go out there. And whoever comes out victorious, we’re still going to be friends afterwards. I’m still going to be a fan of Reina’s and her sister. And I’m still going to watch her grow into the sport and the amazing champion she will be one day.”
On this potentially being her last year fighting and what moments stand out to her
“When I started it was a struggle. Me, my sister, and Jordan Maldonado struggled. We struggled for years in this sport. After being a professional for 13 years, Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul came into my life and changed it. They changed my family’s life and my bank account. So it’s been an incredible journey. Now that we have MVP, we’re helping other women in this sport, and that is something that we truly want to do and continue to open the doors for women in this sport. I said I might [retire]. It’s been a long journey, and I just love seeing these women here grow, get the opportunities, and get better paydays. And just one fight at a time. But I do have goals, so I need the record for the knockout. Indeed, 50 wins. So there’s certain goals. I have to keep on going.”
On her thoughts on Jake Paul’s fight with Anthony Joshua
“All I have to say is Jake Paul has some cajones to go out there and even take that fight. I always thought that there’s something special in Jake, and for him to even take that fight on pretty much short notice is pretty insane. But he did it, he went out there, he fought the way he was supposed to fight, but this is boxing…a punch is a punch, and it was a hard punch. You saw what happened, but the craziest thing is he wants to come back to this sport. He doesn’t need to, but hey, I love Jake Paul. I love him and his family, what he’s done for us, for women’s boxing, and what he’s doing for boxing in general.”
On what Jake Paul is doing for boxing and boxing in Puerto Rico
“There’s 22 gyms for boxing bullies that he opened up. The second one that we were at for the media workout was under my name, and I truly love what he’s doing for all the young kids in Puerto Rico because now they have an outlet. Now, they have a place they can go without staying in the streets or doing anything bad, and they have gyms they can go to and do something productive. Maybe one day we will have multiple world champions coming from the island, but it’s not just Puerto Rico…it’s all over the world.”
On what she wants her legacy to be in Puerto Rico
“I want to be remembered as a game changer, as someone who is helping the sport of women’s boxing and just sports in general, as well, because we’re women. And all of a sudden… I was just telling Stephanie Han, and hearing Ebanie, she just had a baby. Women, we go through so much more than what men do, and they’re moms first. First, they’re women, then moms, and then Stephanie Han is a police officer because you have to have a job in the beginning. Women had to have a job. We had to get a 9-5 because we weren’t getting paid the way we are getting paid now. It’s still not the best, but now everyone is getting paid the best. I’ve been blessed, but we have our lives as well. I want to see women’s boxing just grow. I want to see women be able to concentrate just on boxing, just on the sport and their craft, and get what they deserve and get the pay that they deserve.”
On what is needed from other promoters to achieve a better sense of gender equality in boxing
“Just keep watching MVP. Just keep watching how they do it, and then they’ll learn. Just take a page out of their book and just continue to help, push, and empower women. Some people just don’t want to empower women. I’m one of the women I love. I’m an empowered woman that loves to empower other women. That’s what MVP’s been about since the very beginning. I’m super happy and blessed that I showed Nakisa [ Bidarian] and Jake Paul that women can fight. I made them believers in women, and look at us today. We have a roster of how many women? It keeps growing and growing, so I’m super excited for that, and we continue to show that women can fight. Women want equality, and we want to do what the men do. I’m just excited, and come Saturday night, you’re going to have a great show of amazing women. We have a great card, and I’m excited for Puerto Rico.”
On how she ignores her admiration for Reina to try to hurt her on Saturday
“At the end of the day, it’s a fight. She bleeds how I bleed, everybody does, so I feel like I give her the utmost respect, but at the same time, it’s a fight, and I’m not going to let that get in the way because at the end of the day, it is a fight and there’s a lot on the line.”
REINA TELLEZ QUOTES
On what motivates her and what she expects this Saturday
“First of all, Puerto Rico is beautiful. I’ve never been here. When I got the call, I was shocked. Someone [Amanda Serrano] I’ve watched my whole life. I think she fought for her first world title when I first started boxing. It tells the tale. I’m extremely grateful to be on this platform, but let alone fight somebody I watched growing up and just in my career. It’s just crazy to say sometimes I just think about it, and I can’t fully process it because it’s real. I didn’t think I would be in this position, let alone this year. When they gave me the call, I took the opportunity and just jumped on it, and we’re doing what we can do.”
On how long it took to think through and accept this fight, and why it’s the right time
“It took me about a day. I knew that opportunities like this come once in a lifetime, and you never know when it’s going to come back around. I really have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s a high-risk, high-reward situation, and like I said, I’m grateful for it.”
On how much it means to have this opportunity so young in her career
“It means a lot. I’ve been boxing since I was eight years old, and it means a lot to me and my family because we went through a lot. We’ve been through a lot of sacrifices just to get here. Now the day’s finally here, so we’re excited, and we’re grateful as a whole.”
On what she would like to do this Saturday, and how she would like to end the fight
“I would just like to put the work in, that’s it. It’s my first time for 10 rounds and first time for three minutes so it’s going to be something new that I experience in my life.”
On the decision to say “yes” to this fight
“I would say it was a big opportunity – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s just something I had to say yes to because I know that if I didn’t, I would have probably regretted it.”
On if she means to run or if she will stand in front of Amanda
“I’m going to do what the gameplan is. There’s going to be some instances where we’re going to have to fight it out, and there’s going to be times where we’re boxing.”
STEPHANIE HAN QUOTES
On how she feels about this fight
“Fighting Holly Holm is like a dream come true. I watched her knock out Ronda Rousey, and I’ve always been a fan of hers. To have the opportunity to share the ring with her, someone I’ve always looked up to, and share my story as a police officer, as a mother of two, and a mother to a special needs daughter, I’m representing all the parents out there. I’m representing the people that have dreams. I quit boxing and came back. I’m living my dream and making that dream a reality.”
On what a win would mean for her
“Obviously, all of us are athletes, and all of us train to win, so for me to win against Holly Holm means everything I sacrificed is worth it. I came back to boxing…it’s a dream to be part of this team. It’s a dream to beat Holly Holm.”
On what fighting three-minute rounds with men’s rule means to women on the card
“We’re showing that women are just as capable as men, and we can definitely put on a show. Why not show that we’re just as strong?”
HOLLY HOLM QUOTES
On signing with MVP and wanting to become a champion again
“I’m a fighter, and I love to fight. I’ve just followed my passion where it’s taken me – boxing for years and then MMA for a couple of years. Seeing the opportunities MVP has brought for women in boxing, being able to come back and having bigger opportunities, it was something that really intrigued me. Having seen these girls have that platform, I thought, ‘I want to come back,’ and be a champion and come back to a sport that was always great when I did it before. Being able to fight in another weight division – I’ve never fought in this weight division in boxing before – but I did for many years in MMA, so it made sense to come back to fight for a belt. That’s my drive, and that’s my passion.”
What does fighting with men’s equal rounds mean
“When I trained in boxing, we always trained with three-minute rounds, then I went to MMA and it was five-minute rounds. I always trained in two or five-minute rounds. Coming into this fight and being able to experience three-minute rounds in an actual boxing fight – I’m excited for it.”
On what another championship would mean for her career
“I’m always looking to do something I haven’t done before, or that hasn’t been done at all. I want to be a two-sport athlete, but not just that, be a champion at the highest level in those sports [boxing and MMA]. To be able to come back and get another title in another weight class is something that drives me, and that’s my goal. I want something that I know a very small percentage of people in this world can do.”
On looking for new weight classes after this fight
“This is the lowest I’ll go, and I’ve already fought at three heavier weight classes than this, so I think I’ll stay at this one for the remainder of my boxing career.”
KRYSTAL ROSADO QUOTES
On how she sees her boxing journey and being one of the prospects in Puerto Rico
“I’m really happy with all MVP Promotions’ teams, Jake [Paul], Jordan, Nakisa [Bidarian]. I’m really happy with Amanda [Serrano], thankful for Amanda – a champion that I admire, and to be called her protege is an honor because Amanda is a person and a fighter I admire a lot, and I will give everything this Saturday in this fight.”
On what sharing the spotlight with Amanda Serrano means and how it will affect her career
“I know I am training hard, and I will achieve everything I want in my career. Obviously, the spotlight will make for a good change in my career.”
EBANIE BRIDGES QUOTES
On how she feels being in Puerto Rico in her MVP debut
“I’m very excited. I must say, I’ve only been here for two days, and I’m already in love with Puerto Rico – thank you, Puerto Ricans. They are amazing. This island is fabulous and beautiful. I’m actually sad that I’ve never been here before. Thank you Puerto Rico, for welcoming me and welcoming all of us. I’m just so excited to get back in there. It’s been a while, but what better promotional company [MVP] to make my comeback with.”
On identifying the right moment to return to boxing
“MVP has been making massive waves in women’s boxing…really believing in us and supporting us for the right reasons, so it was just the right fit. I just feel the way I promote myself, and how I’m very driven, I think MVP really suited me. I had a baby just 10 months ago, so that’s why this is the right time. My son is here, and he’s my motivation and my drive. When I got pregnant, everyone thought that was it. They thought I was retired, but I said, ‘Why? Just because I had a baby? Does that mean I quit on life or my goals?’ I have even more drive now with my son because I want to fight for him and I want to make him proud. I want to be in the ring with him and the belt. All of these things are motivation for me. Before, I wanted to be a world champion, but I’ve already been a world champion. So now I need a little bit more drive and my son… and also inspiring other women who are thinking of having children or have had children and want to do things, don’t let babies stop you. I’m very blessed and grateful to everyone who helps me at home because it really does take a village to raise a child, especially when you’re in a fight camp. So thank you to everyone that helped me so I can get to the gym and train. It’s been a very different camp…a lot of adaptations, but we’re here, and I’m so excited for Saturday night. I can’t wait to get in there and press some skulls.”
YANKIEL RIVERA QUOTES
On how he’s feeling ahead of the fight
“I’m happy to be sharing the fight with Bomba in Puerto Rico and also happy to be contending in 12 rounds. I’m ready for this fight, and I really appreciate MVP’s team. They can always count on me.”
JONATHAN GONZALEZ QUOTES
On what this matchup means for him and what is shows for Puerto Rican boxing
“I’m just happy to be here, another big stage with Amanda [Serrano]. I’m ready. I want to be a two-time world champion. This is my goal, it’s always been my goal, and I think Yankiel [Rivera] will have a problem on Saturday night.”
JAN PAUL RIVERA QUOTES
On how important it is to represent Puerto Rico
“I am happy because of my company. I am happy to be representing Puerto Rico and Salinas, my hometown. I am happy to fight this Saturday, January 3, and looking to give my best in this fight.”
ALFREDO CRUZ QUOTES
On how he approaches the challenge of facing an undefeated rising contender
“This training camp was great. I’m grateful to my training team and I’m ready for this fight. People should count on me at 126 pounds on a global level.”
On what kind of fight fans should expect this saturday
“God only knows what will happen on Saturday, but everyone who doesn’t know how to dance salsa, they will learn how to dance salsa this Saturday at the Coliseo Robert Clemente in San Juan.”
HENRY LEBRON QUOTES
On how he feels about his opponent
“I’m happy to come back, as a year ago, I faced two other opponents in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They were respectful opponents, and I believe I am going to come out with a victory on home soil on Saturday, January 3.”
On how complicated is this fight, considering that you fought in December 2024
“There’s been some trouble with managing and with contracts and all that kind of stuff that’s happening in business, but now I’m happy to be signing with MVP, and my team is working with all the stuff that might be complicated, but I know my team will make it better for me.”
CHRIS ECHEVARRIA QUOTES
On what he wants to prove and keep climbing through the rankings
“I respect my opponent, but I have to go back and see my parranda. I’m also thankful for this huge opportunity I have to face my opponent in this main card event in San Juan, Puerto Rico.”
On his response to Bernardi saying he will finish early in the fight
“Words are only words, and I hope that Saturday he’s fixing the ring because he knows it’s clear what is going to happen.”
On how he feeds off the energy fighting in front of the home crowd
“I’m happy to fight at home. I’m grateful to be Puerto Rican and to represent Puerto Rico proudly. I’m going to give everything I have in this ring and feed off everything Puerto Rico gives me.”
GABRIEL BERNARDI QUOTES
On what separates him from his opponent [Chris Echevarria]
“I am giving a Puerto Rican parranda from Puerto Rico to my opponent.”
On what his next chapter will be if he wins this fight
“I want to make a campaign at 132 pounds. I’m going to get out of the fight early.”
ELISE SOTO QUOTES
On what has been clicking for her as she continues her strong run of knockouts
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m going to continue to work hard to be the very best I can be for all of you and Puerto Rico. I love you.”
On what it means to be a Puerto Rican fighter on a card with Amanda Serrano
“It’s literally a dream come true fighting on Amanda’s card at the [Coliseo] Robert Clemente, so it’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to fight.”
ABNER FIGUEROA QUOTES
On what this test means for his development
“This is a great opening, and I will give everything in the ring to make for a great show.”
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ QUOTES
On what experience he’s bringing for Saturday’s fight
“This is my second fight on a card with Amanda Serrano, and I hope everyone is ready because I am going to give everything I have in the ring.”
On how important it is to fight on this card in Puerto Rico
“I haven’t fought in Puerto Rico in two years. I’m so happy to be fighting back at home. I’m also happy to be at 118 pounds, and I want people to consider me at that weight so I can continue fighting in this category. I’m just happy to be in Puerto Rico and to be fighting in Puerto Rico.”
About MVP
MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize returns for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.
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