Yoenis Tellez

Born on June 11, 2000, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Yoenis Tellez, known by his ring moniker “El Bandolero,” has forged a rapid and impressive ascent in the professional boxing ranks since his debut in 2020. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall with a 73-inch reach and fighting out of the orthodox stance, Tellez has transitioned from a decorated Cuban amateur to an undefeated force in the professional super welterweight division. His early promise was clearly evident in Cuba, where his amateur journey began at age eight and yielded an outstanding record of 102 wins against just 7 losses. Highlighted by national youth championship triumphs in 2017 and 2018, those formative years instilled a clinical ring IQ and an aggressive technical style reflective of Cuba’s rich boxing heritage.

Tellez’s professional ambitions, like those of many Cuban pugilists, were shaped by the realities of limited professional opportunity in his homeland. In 2020, he made the bold choice to defect, initially continuing his journey in Russia, where he quickly made an impression. His professional debut unfolded on June 25, 2020, at Vegas City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Russia. Facing Nikita Borisenkov, Tellez wasted no time in making a statement. He dispatched his opponent via a second-round technical knockout, demonstrating early on the blend of precision, patience, and power that would define his style.

With the world’s attention momentarily dimmed due to global circumstances, Tellez moved with quiet determination, fighting once more in Russia before returning to Cuba. Soon after, his journey led him to the United States in 2022, where he settled in Stafford, Texas, and joined the stable of renowned trainer Ronnie Shields. It was in this Texas enclave that Tellez honed his craft, blending Cuban fundamentals with the American professional style and rounding out his offensive and defensive arsenal. His early bouts in the U.S. quickly established him as a fighter to watch. Wins over Dario Guerrero-Meneses and Andrey Tomashchuk, both by stoppage, reflected his predilection for both skilful dismantling and explosive finishes.

Tellez’s rise gained significant momentum through 2023 and 2024 as the calibre of his opposition increased. After impressive victories over journeyman opponents, he earned a coveted slot on the undercard of the massive Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence event on July 29, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada. Facing Spain’s Sergio García, a talented and experienced foe, Tellez delivered a breakout performance. Controlling proceedings with sharp counterpunching and notable hand speed, he floored García in the third round, sealing the bout with a technical knockout and capturing the attention of a wider boxing audience.

That victory propelled Tellez into the upper echelons of the super welterweight scene. He continued to stack impressive wins, including a tenth-round knockout of Livan Navarro and a decisive unanimous decision over Joseph Jackson. The next crucial test came on October 19, 2024, at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, against Venezuelan puncher Johan Gonzalez—a fighter revered for his power and experience. Tellez showcased tactical adaptability, starting cautiously but gradually unlocking Gonzalez’s defences through patience and systematic bodywork. The contest culminated in a seventh-round technical knockout for Tellez, who dropped Gonzalez three times in the later rounds, underlining his ability to handle adversity and deliver under pressure.

By early 2025, anticipation swirled around Tellez’s step-up into world title contention. That opportunity arrived on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he faced former unified world champion Julian Williams with the interim WBA super welterweight title on the line. Williams brought elite experience to the ring, but Tellez, displaying maturity beyond his years, dictated the pace and range, busting up the former champion over twelve rounds. He won the contest via a wide, unanimous decision, with scores that spoke to his comprehensive control of the bout. Securing the interim WBA crown, Tellez not only confirmed his world-class credentials but also announced his arrival as a legitimate titleholder in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

Throughout his journey, one feature has remained constant: the incisive and efficient nature of Tellez’s offence. With seven of his ten wins coming by knockout, he boasts a 70% stoppage ratio, a testament to both natural power and aggressive intent. Yet he has also shown stamina and poise, comfortably going the distance when required, as he did against seasoned names like Joseph Jackson and Julian Williams. As of his most recent victory, Tellez maintains a perfect professional record of 10 wins with no losses or draws, a testament to his consistency and focus over 58 professional rounds boxed.