Kali “KO” Reis Enshrined in International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame, Joining Fellow UBF Champions Cindy Serrano and Heather Hardy

October 11, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada

LAS VEGAS, NV — A remarkable chapter in women’s boxing history was celebrated Saturday evening, October 10, 2026, as former Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Middleweight World Champion Kali “KO” Reis was honored as a member of the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) Class of 2026.

The prestigious ceremony, held at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, brought together champions, pioneers, and influential figures whose dedication helped transform women’s boxing into the internationally recognized sport it is today.

For the Universal Boxing Federation, the occasion holds particular significance. Reis shares this prestigious Hall of Fame class with two other former UBF champions: Cindy “Checkmate” Serrano, a former UBF world champion, and Heather “The Heat” Hardy, a former UBF International champion.

Together, these three accomplished women represent an important part of the UBF’s championship history and the organization’s longstanding connection to women’s professional boxing.

Kali Reis: A Champion, Trailblazer, and Inspiration

Known throughout the boxing world as “KO Mequinonoag,” Kali Reis built a career defined by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her identity.

A proud Indigenous American fighter with Cherokee, Nipmuc, and Seaconke Wampanoag heritage, Reis became a historic figure in the sport, recognized as the first Indigenous woman to capture a world boxing championship.

Her connection to the Universal Boxing Federation dates to February 19, 2016, when she defeated Victoria Cisneros by first-round technical knockout to capture the vacant UBF Women’s Middleweight World Championship.

That victory marked another significant achievement in a career that would eventually include championship recognition from the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBO, and other organizations.

Reis continued testing herself against elite competition, including her highly publicized 2018 challenge against undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Brækhus, which became the first women’s bout televised on HBO’s World Championship Boxing.

Her achievements extended far beyond the ropes.

Reis successfully transitioned into acting, earning widespread recognition for her performance alongside Jodie Foster in HBO’s acclaimed series True Detective: Night Country. Her ability to succeed in two highly competitive professions has made her an inspiration to athletes and aspiring performers alike.

Throughout her journey, Reis has remained an outspoken advocate for Indigenous communities, cultural representation, and opportunities for women in sports and entertainment.

Three Champions, One Historic Hall of Fame Class

Cindy Serrano

Former UBF Super Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion

Heather Hardy

Former UBF International Super Bantamweight Champion

Cindy “Checkmate” Serrano, a proud Puerto Rican fighter who helped pave the way for future generations of women in professional boxing, earned UBF championship recognition across multiple divisions.

On May 10, 2013, Serrano captured the UBF Super Featherweight World Championship with a first-round knockout of Grecia Nova. The victory carried additional historical significance because Cindy and her younger sister Amanda Serrano simultaneously held UBF world championships. Cindy later added UBF lightweight championship honors to her accomplishments.

Heather “The Heat” Hardy, another Brooklyn boxing standout, established herself as one of the sport’s recognizable and respected competitors. A former UBF International Super Bantamweight Champion, Hardy went on to become a WBO featherweight world champion while helping bring greater visibility to women’s boxing through her determined fighting style and willingness to compete on major stages.

The recognition of Reis, Serrano, and Hardy in the same Hall of Fame class is a proud moment for the Universal Boxing Federation. Their championship accomplishments and subsequent careers reflect the talent and dedication of fighters who have competed for UBF titles.

A Legacy That Extends Beyond Championship Belts

The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes more than victories, records, and championship accomplishments. It honors those whose contributions have helped establish greater opportunities, respect, and recognition for women within the sport.

For Reis, that legacy includes her historic achievements as an Indigenous athlete, her success in entertainment, and her advocacy for communities whose voices have too often gone unheard.

For Serrano, it reflects a career that helped establish women’s boxing as a serious professional pursuit while inspiring another generation of Puerto Rican fighters.

For Hardy, it represents years of perseverance and dedication to competing at the highest level while helping advance women’s boxing in New York and beyond.

Although their individual journeys have been different, the three champions share a common distinction: each contributed to the championship history of the Universal Boxing Federation before receiving one of women’s boxing’s most meaningful career honors.

The UBF proudly congratulates Kali “KO” Reis, Cindy “Checkmate” Serrano, and Heather “The Heat” Hardy on their inclusion in the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Their accomplishments will remain an important part of both women’s boxing history and the Universal Boxing Federation’s legacy.

Editorial verification: The IWBHF officially lists all three fighters in its 2026 induction class and confirms the October 10 ceremony. The available sources establish their selection and the scheduled event, but I could not independently verify their individual appearances or acceptance speeches last night.