The connection between boxing champion Kali Reis and her partner Brian Cohen is truly remarkable. Married since 2021, their journey together began in 2016 when Reis invited Cohen, a former professional fighter who transitioned to management, to support her in the ring. Their relationship has flourished, marked by shared experiences in the demanding world of professional sports.
With six world championship titles to her name, Reis has Cohen by her side, supporting her not only in boxing but also as she explores new avenues, such as acting. Cohen manages an all-female boxing team that boasts over 38 championships, while Reis is expanding her own horizons in the entertainment industry.
Cohen, a former fighter turned manager, supports Reis in both boxing and acting ventures
Reis, who identifies as a proud two-spirit individual and Afro-Indigenous, made her outstanding acting debut in Catch the Fair One in 2021. She later portrayed Evangaline Navarro in True Detective: Night Country, earning a 2024 Emmy nomination for her performance alongside Jodie Foster.
In an interview with The Philly Voice, Reis attributes her boosted self-confidence to both Cohen’s support and her acting endeavors, referring to him as her “best friend.” She expressed, “I don’t think anyone thought the movie would turn out to be as big as it did. I’ve gained a lot of self-worth watching myself. I learned a lot of self-worth with Brian as my best friend and telling me a lot of things that I didn’t know about myself.”
Currently residing in Philadelphia, the couple continues to champion each other’s aspirations, with Reis recently recognized on TIME’s Next 100 list in 2024, nominated by fellow actress Lily Gladstone.
Brian Cohen, who is also Reis’ husband, has established a successful career as a trainer and manager, specializing in women’s boxing. He manages several champions, including Melissa Hernandez, Christina Linardatou, and Ronica Jeffrey, and has represented Reis since 2016.
Cohen shared his early experiences in boxing during an interview, revealing that he entered a gym at the age of eight, influenced by his father, who was a prominent manager in Philadelphia. “He also managed multiple world champions. I had been doing my own thing, fighting and building my record all over the country,” he said.
Women’s boxing historian Sue “TL” Fox acknowledged Cohen’s contributions, stating, “I only wish that I had had someone like him to advocate for me when I was thrown into a lion’s den as a young fighter in my 20s.”
As noted by The New York Times, Cohen currently manages Team Empire, his all-female team that has won 35 championship titles, operating from his training center in New Jersey.
The couple first crossed paths in 2016 during Reis’s 14th professional fight in Auckland, New Zealand. Initially connecting through email, their relationship deepened when Reis invited Cohen to be part of her corner. Their friendship blossomed, and Reis felt comfortable confiding in him, allowing her to build her self-esteem.
Reis shared, “Brian saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself, and I think it started from there,” highlighting their strong bond. After developing a close friendship, they became romantically involved. Cohen announced their engagement on Instagram in 2020, stating simply, “She said yes.” They later celebrated their wedding, noting, “11/27/21 was a beautiful day.”
In addition to their partnership, Reis is a stepmother to Cohen’s teenage daughter, Alanna, from a previous relationship. Cohen often expresses pride in his daughter and has discussed how she influences his life choices.
Reflecting on his involvement in women’s boxing, Cohen explained to the Tha Boxing Voice podcast, “The reason why I honestly got involved in women’s boxing is because of my daughter.”
Both Reis and Cohen advocate for women’s equality within their professional pursuits. Reis, a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, connects personally with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) movement, stating, “I did have a family member [go missing] so it hit close to home.” She actively promotes awareness about MMIW through her platform, sporting a special insignia on her boxing shorts and sharing information on social media.
Reis recently announced their partnership with You Are Loved, a community grant program that supports families seeking justice for MMIW. She is also running the 2024 New York City Marathon to raise funds and awareness for this cause.
Together, they strive to enhance equity in women’s boxing. Cohen emphasized the importance of granting female athletes the same recognition as their male counterparts, sharing his frustrations about the historical treatment of women in the sport.
“Back in the day, females were fighting title fights for three grand, and you were supposed to be happy to take it, and be grateful for a spot on the card. Women’s equality is the reason I did it,” he remarked.
Laughter is an integral part of their relationship, with both calling each other their “best friends.” Their playful moments often surface on social media, with Cohen sharing lighthearted posts of them engaging in friendly wrestling matches.
One post captured their laughter as Cohen pretended to flip Reis onto the bed, with him writing, “It’s amazing that I could love this woman more and more every day. It’s a blessing to be with her. All we do is laugh and love each other.”
A sentimental gift from Reis to Cohen—a bracelet featuring the coordinates of their first meeting—highlights the depth of their relationship. He expressed his surprise at this thoughtful gesture, emphasizing the importance of their first encounter in Auckland on April 16, 2016.
Cohen also plays a vital role in supporting Reis’s acting ambitions. She made her acting debut in Catch the Fair One, portraying a boxer on a quest to find her missing sister. It was during this project that she caught the attention of Jodie Foster, who later invited her to play Evangaline Navarro in HBO’s True Detective: Night Country.
Reis’s outstanding performance led to her Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress. Celebrating her achievements on Instagram, Cohen shared, “I know I don’t post much. I usually leave it to your family, friends and fans. Let’s recap the last 21 days shall we. You were nominated for an Emmy. You promoted your first boxing show. You were named Time Magazine’s 100 Next list. And you ran a half marathon.”
He expressed his pride in Reis, stating, “I am so proud of you from where you came to where you are. You are truly inspiring my love. To see you every day and know the 1,127 different directions you get pulled in and still handle things like a boss amazes me at times.
I’m happy to experience this all with you. I’m here to support you. You are my wife, but most of all my best friend. And thank you for being the amazing human you are. I love you beyond comprehension.”
