Table of Contents
Kali Reis: A Multifaceted Journey
Boxing and Acting: A Winning Combination
- Kali Reis, the renowned American actress and professional boxer, has made a significant impact in both the film and sports industries.1
- Winning world championships in the middleweight and light welterweight categories, she showcased her versatility with a compelling debut performance in the 2021 thriller, Catch the Fair One.
- This portrayal earned her a Best Female Lead Actress nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Best Actress award at the 2021 Newport Beach Film Festival.
Personal Life and Relationships
- Beyond her professional achievements, there is a keen interest in Kali Reis’s personal life, including discussions about her sexual orientation. Despite humorous remarks about losing her ‘gay card’ after marriage, Reis maintains privacy on this matter.
- Currently married to Brian Cohen, a former professional boxer, their relationship started in the boxing ring where Cohen served as Reis’s trainer and manager.
- The couple has faced reproductive health challenges but has built a strong partnership, transitioning from professional collaboration to friendship and marriage. Regularly sharing glimpses of their affectionate relationship on social media, Reis and Cohen navigate both personal and professional aspects of life together.
Early Life and Athletic Roots
- Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1986, Kali Reis is the youngest of five children. Raised by a single mother in East Providence, she takes pride in her Native American ancestry, particularly the Cherokee and Nipmuc tribes.2
- As a member of the non-federally recognized Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts, Reis’s athletic prowess emerged early in life. Engaging in various sports and activities, she began her boxing training at age 14 at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket, under the guidance of a friend of her mother’s.
- Kali Reis, the youngest of five children, entered the world in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 24, 1986.
- Her diverse heritage includes Cherokee, Nipmuc, and Seaconke Wampanoag ancestry. Raised by her mother in East Providence, Rhode Island, Reis spent her childhood engaging in athletic pursuits, often participating in rough sports with neighborhood boys. She actively attended and competed in powwows during her formative years.
- Her sports involvement extended to basketball and softball leagues throughout junior and high school.
- At the age of 15, she discovered her passion for boxing, receiving coaching from Domingo Tall Dog, a friend of her mother. Later, Reis pursued criminology studies and learned motorcycle repair at MTTI, all while honing her boxing skills at Peter Manfredo’s Sr. gym.
Advocacy and Pride
- In addition to her accomplishments in the ring and on screen, Kali Reis is a passionate advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Proud of her Cape Verdean roots, she brings attention to important social issues, showcasing a commitment to making a positive impact beyond her professional pursuits.
- Kali Reis, born on August 24, 1986, is a distinguished American professional female boxer.
- Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first professional Native American boxer from New England and the pioneer Native American fighter to clinch the International Boxing Association (IBA) middleweight crown.
- Additionally, she boasts a successful career as a former WBC World Middleweight Champion and WIBA World Champion.
One episode down…..5 more to go!! What did yall think??? ???? ???????? pic.twitter.com/eqhAGnNXJq
— Kali Reis (@KO_Reis86) January 15, 2024
Transition to Professional Boxing
- Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing in 2008, Reis faced a slow start with only one bout in each of her first three years in the professional ranks.
- Expressing her desire for more activity, she acknowledged not meeting her preferred level of engagement.
- In 2012, an unfortunate motorcycle accident disrupted her boxing season, but she made a triumphant return in 2013. Despite a setback in her pursuit of the WIBA title in November 2013, Reis persevered. Notably, she gained widespread recognition in the sport after a notable match.
Championship Victories and Contributions
- On November 12, 2014, Kali Reis achieved a significant milestone by winning the IBA crown, defeating Teresa Perozzi in Bermuda. Beyond her achievements in the ring, Reis extends her expertise to coaching boxing for youth and serves as a trainer.
- Her commitment to the sport culminated in April 2016 when she secured her first major world title in New Zealand by defeating Maricela Cornejo for the vacant WBC World Middleweight title.
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Kali Reis’s Partner and Marriage:
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Kali Reis, a professional boxer, is married to Brian Cohen since 2021. 3
The couple’s relationship is significant as Kali had previously identified herself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the challenges of embracing her identity, Kali and Brian’s partnership has been a transformative journey.
Identity Struggles and Humorous Remarks:
Growing up with a Christian mother, Kali found it challenging to accept her identity.
In interviews, she humorously questioned whether marrying a man meant losing her “gay card.” The journey from being Kali’s trainer to her husband was an evolution in their relationship.
Kali and Brian’s Journey Together:
Brian Cohen, initially Kali’s trainer, transitioned into being her manager and eventually her best friend.
Their connection began in 2016 during a fight in New Zealand when Kali invited Brian to join her corner. Brian, a former professional boxer and founder of Team Empire Boxing, has been a crucial supporter in Kali’s career.
Brian Cohen’s Boxing Career:
Brian, a Philadelphia native, started his professional boxing career in 1995, amassing a record of 16-2 in 18 bouts. Post his boxing career, he became a trainer and manager, focusing on women’s boxing through Team Empire Boxing, which boasted 38 champions as of 2021.
Kali Reis’s Partner and Dating Timeline
- Kali Reis, the professional boxer, married her trainer and manager, Brian Cohen, in 2021. Cohen, born in 1977, is 47 years old as of 2024.
- He is a former professional boxer himself, with a 16-2 record over 18 bouts.
- Cohen had previously worked Reis’s corner during a 2016 fight in New Zealand. After their marriage, Reis became a stepmother to Cohen’s daughter, Alanna. Reis has been open about struggling with reproductive health issues in the past.
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Personal Struggles and Relationship Evolution
In one interview, Kali Reis expressed feeling like a failure for being unable to fulfill what she believed was her purpose. Though Reis previously identified as LGBTQ+, she has found love and a partnership with Cohen. Their relationship evolved from a professional one to friendship and now marriage.4
Additionally, the couple displays their love and affection on their social media handles to showcase their relationship.
Family Dynamics and Support:
In an interview, Kali expressed gratitude for Brian’s unwavering support, emphasizing that neither holds dominance over the other. After marrying Brian, Kali also embraced the role of stepmom to Alanna, demonstrating a blended family dynamic.
Kali’s Struggles and Triumphs:
Kali Reis, known for her boxing and acting career, faced adversity in her childhood.
Raised by older siblings due to her father’s absence, Kali struggled with trauma, substance abuse, and assault incidents. Overcoming these challenges, she found solace in opening up about her experiences and became an advocate for survivors.
Recognition and Civic Honor:
In 2022, Kali Reis received the key to the city from Mayor Roberto DaSilva of East Providence, recognizing her contributions and resilience.
Healing and Growth:
Kali’s journey involved finding peace through sharing her traumatic experiences with others who went through similar situations. Despite facing significant challenges, her self-esteem has grown in recent years, attributing much of her personal growth to the supportive relationship with Brian Cohen.
Is Kali Reis Gay?
Kali Reis is a highly skilled individual recognized for her achievements in both acting and athletics. Fans are curious to learn more about her personal life, particularly regarding her sexual orientation.
Rumors regarding her sexual orientation arose after she made a playful comment during an interview, jokingly stating that she had lost her gay card after marrying a man.
Speculations and Clarifications
While some may speculate about Kali Reis’s sexual orientation due to her bold and athletic physique, it’s essential to note that such assumptions remain speculative until Kali decides to share this aspect of her personal life publicly.
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