Kali Reis and Brian Cohen share a deep connection, built on a foundation of both love and mutual respect. Their partnership began in 2016 when Reis, seeking professional support, invited Cohen—an ex-fighter turned manager—to join her corner.
What started as a working relationship evolved into a romance, with the couple tying the knot in 2021 and embracing the ups and downs of both boxing and life together.
Over the years, Reis and Cohen have nurtured both their careers and relationship. With Cohen managing a team of female fighters that has amassed over 38 championships, and Reis pursuing acting alongside boxing, they continue to encourage one another’s ambitions.
Reis and Cohen tied the knot in 2021, embracing life’s challenges together
Cohen has been a steady figure throughout Reis’ journey, supporting her as she claimed six world titles and ventured into acting, landing remarkable roles in Catch the Fair One and True Detective: Night Country, the latter earning her an Emmy nomination in 2024.
Reis identifies as two-spirit and Afro-Indigenous, and her cultural identity plays an essential role in her activism. Her commitment to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) movement reflects both personal and professional dedication.
Cohen’s unwavering support extends beyond the ring, as he remains a trusted friend and advocate for her causes. He expressed pride in their shared values, noting how their relationship has fostered a sense of purpose and mutual growth.
Cohen’s background as a boxing manager has shaped much of his life. His journey began at the age of eight, learning the ropes from his father, a successful manager in Philadelphia.
Cohen’s passion for elevating female athletes stems from his desire to see women’s boxing receive the same respect as men’s. Speaking on Tha Boxing Voice, he emphasized how women fighters were historically underpaid and undervalued, igniting his commitment to championing equality in the sport.
Reis and Cohen first crossed paths in person during her 14th professional fight in Auckland, New Zealand. Although their connection initially grew through email, it deepened when Reis asked Cohen to be part of her corner.
Their relationship flourished as Cohen encouraged her to overcome self-doubt, helping her discover strengths she hadn’t realized she possessed. Reflecting on this, Reis shared how Cohen saw potential in her long before she could see it herself.
Their friendship eventually blossomed into romance, leading to their engagement in 2020. Cohen announced the milestone on Instagram, expressing his joy with the caption, “She said yes.”
The couple celebrated their wedding a year later, marking November 27, 2021, as a day filled with love and happiness. Their blended family includes Cohen’s daughter Alanna from a previous relationship, whom Reis embraces as her own, further strengthening their bond.
Cohen credits his daughter as a driving force behind his focus on managing female fighters. In interviews, he has shared how her influence inspired him to advocate for women athletes. This passion aligns with Reis’ efforts to promote equality, both through her activism and in her athletic career. Together, they use their platforms to raise awareness for causes they care deeply about.
Laughter and shared joy are central to their relationship. Cohen frequently posts playful moments of the couple on social media, showing how their connection is rooted in friendship.
One post captures them in a playful wrestling match, with Cohen affectionately writing about how their love continues to grow daily. He describes Reis as not only his wife but also his closest companion, emphasizing the joy they find in each other’s company.
Reis also gifted Cohen a sentimental bracelet engraved with the coordinates of their first meeting in New Zealand, symbolizing the moment their journey began. Cohen expressed his gratitude for the meaningful gift, reflecting on how that night marked the start of their shared future. He called the gift a reminder of how far they’ve come together since that fateful encounter in 2016.
In addition to her boxing accomplishments, Reis’ foray into acting has been another point of pride for Cohen. After making her film debut in 2021, Reis earned widespread acclaim, eventually landing a major role in True Detective: Night Country.
Cohen proudly celebrated her Emmy nomination and other achievements on Instagram, highlighting how she balances her many roles with grace. He expressed his admiration, acknowledging how her determination inspires him every day.
Cohen’s heartfelt message captures the purpose of their partnership: unwavering support, genuine friendship, and a shared love that grows stronger with each passing day. He described Reis as his best friend and praised her ability to pass life’s challenges with resilience, expressing gratitude for the life they’ve built together.
