Jane Couch

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Jane Couch
Janea026.jpg
Couch in 1998
Born (1968-08-14) 14 August 1968 (age 56)
Fleetwood, Lancashire, England
NationalityBritish
Other namesThe Fleetwood Assassin [1]
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 7+1⁄2 in (171 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights39
Wins28
Wins by KO9
Losses11

Jane Couch, MBE (born 14 August 1968) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1994 to 2007. She became the first licensed female boxer in the United Kingdom in 1998. [2]

Contents

Couch was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024. [3]

Background

Born in Fleetwood, Lancashire, Couch was expelled from her school in Blackpool and thereafter lived "a life of booze, drugs and street fighting". [1] At the age of 26 she saw a television documentary about women's boxing and decided to try it. In her first official fight, a Muay Thai match, she defeated a policewoman, about which she said "it was brilliant to flatten one [a police officer] and get paid for it". [1]

Professional boxing career

Lucia Rijker and Jane Couch boxing, 2003 LuciaRijker.jpg
Lucia Rijker and Jane Couch boxing, 2003

The British Boxing Board of Control initially refused to grant Couch a professional licence on the sole ground that she was a woman, and argued that PMS made women too unstable to box. [4] [5] Claiming sexual discrimination and supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission, Couch managed to have this decision overturned by a tribunal in March 1998. [6] [7] However, some criticism followed as the British Medical Association called this result "a demented extension of equal opportunities". [8]

Couch would later seek the right to fight a male opponent, but was unsuccessful. Of this, she said

Going into the ring against a man wouldn't bother me. I spar with blokes seven days a week so it's not as if it would be a new experience. It would mean an awful lot to me to appear at Wembley. [9]

Couch's first major success occurred in only her fifth pro fight in 1996 when she won the WIBF light welterweight title by outpointing France's Sandra Geiger over ten rounds in Copenhagen, Denmark. Of this fight, Couch observed in 2004 that "I have never been hit so hard in all my life", [10] and called Geiger "the toughest opponent (she) fought". [11]

The first sanctioned professional boxing match between women in the U.K. was in November 1998 at Streatham in London, between Couch and Simona Lukic. Couch won. [12] [13]

Couch announced her retirement on 1 December 2008 and said she intended to continue as a boxing promoter. [14] At the time, she said

"Boxing has been my life for a long time and it will always will be, but I'm not going to miss getting my head smashed in." [15]

Other achievements

In 2001, she published an autobiography, Jane Couch – Fleetwood Assassin. [16]

Couch was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours. [17]

In 2012, Couch was awarded the AOCA / Awakening Outstanding Contribution Award for her part played in raising public awareness and acceptance of female fighters. [18]

In 2016, Couch was inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [19] The IWBHF was created and founded in 2014 by Sue TL Fox. [20]

Post-boxing career

In 2008 Couch competed in the reincarnation of Superstars. [21]

On 20 December 2008 Couch co-promoted a promotion with Ricky Hatton in Bristol and then in February 2009 announced a more formal partnership with Hatton Promotions when she signed as boxing co-ordinator. [22]

Couch long supported the inclusion of women's boxing in the Olympic Games, saying

"It's no more dangerous for a woman to box than for a man ... The Olympics would encourage more girls into gyms where hopefully they would be welcomed." [23]

On 12 August 2009 it was reported that the International Olympic Committee appeared set to include the sport in the 2012 Summer Olympics. [24]

In December 2009, Couch promoted a competition at the Marriott Hotel, Bristol. [25]

Couch also has her own YouTube channel which features regular interviews with people involved in boxing. [26]

Professional boxing record

28 Wins (9 KOs), 11 Losses [27]
Res.RecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
Loss28–11 Flag of France.svg Anne Sophie Mathis TKO 2 (6)2007-12-08 Flag of France.svg La Palestre, Le Cannet, Alpes-Maritimes, France.
Loss28–10 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jaime Clampitt UD102007-06-20 Flag of the United States.svg Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut.For vacant IWBF light welterweight title.
Loss28–9 Flag of the United States.svg Holly Holm UD102006-09-23 Flag of the United States.svg Isleta Casino & Resort, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Win28–8 Flag of Ukraine.svg Viktoria OliynykPTS62006-05-06 Flag of England.svg International Convention Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands.
Win27–8 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Galina GumliiskaTKO3 (4)2006-02-25 Flag of England.svg Whitchurch Leisure Centre, Bristol, Avon.
Loss26–8 Flag of France.svg Myriam Lamare TKO3 (10)2005-12-05 Flag of France.svg Palais Omnisports, Bercy, France.For vacant WIBF light welterweight title.
For Women's WBA light welterweight title.
Win26–7 Flag of Latvia.svg Oksana CernikovaPTS62005-11-12 Flag of England.svg Thistle Hotel, Bristol, Avon.
Loss25–7 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jessica Rakoczy TKO6 (10)2005-07-21 Flag of the United States.svg Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California.For vacant Women's WBC lightweight title.
Win25–6 Flag of Ukraine.svg Larysa BerezenkoPTS62004-12-02 Flag of England.svg Thistle Hotel, Bristol, Avon.
Win24–6 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jaime Clampitt UD102004-06-12 Flag of the United States.svg Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut.Won IWBF light welterweight title.
Loss23–6 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Nathalie ToroUD102004-04-03 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Vise, Liege, BelgiumFor vacant Women's European light welterweight title
Win23–5 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Borislava GoranovaPTS62004-02-29 Flag of England.svg Marriott Hotel, Bristol, Avon
Win22–5 Flag of the United States.svg Brenda DrexelPTS82003-12-21 Flag of England.svg Marriott Hotel, Bristol, Avon.
Win21–5 Flag of the United States.svg Brenda DrexelPTS102003-09-21 Flag of England.svg Marriott Hotel, Bristol, Avon.
Loss20–5 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Lucia Rijker UD8 2003-09-21 Flag of the United States.svg Staples Center, Los Angeles.
Win20–4 Flag of Ukraine.svg Larysa BerezenkoPTS82003-05-15 Flag of England.svg Hand Stadium, Bristol, Avon.
Win19–4 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Borislava GoranovaTKO72003-02-26 Flag of England.svg Marriott Hotel, Bristol, Avon.
Win18–4 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Borislava GoranovaUD102002-12-08 Flag of England.svg Thistle Hotel, Bristol, Avon.
Win17–4 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Borislava GoranovaUD62002-08-03 Flag of England.svg Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, Lancashire.
Loss16–4 Flag of the United States.svg Sumya Anani TKO4 (10)2002-06-21 Flag of the United States.svg Convention Center, Waco, Texas.
Win16–3 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Tzanka KarovaTKO32001-12-16 Flag of England.svg Whitchurch Leisure Centre, Bristol, Avon.
Win15–3 Flag of the United States.svg Carla WitherspoonUD42001-07-28 Flag of Jamaica.svg Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Win14–3 Flag of Ukraine.svg Viktoria OliynykUD42001-06-16 Flag of England.svg Conference Centre, Wembley, London.
Loss13–3 Flag of the United States.svg Elizabeth MuellerUD62000-08-19 Flag of the United States.svg Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Win13–2 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Galina GumliiskaTKO6 (10)2000-07-01 Flag of England.svg Elephant & Castle Centre, Southwark, London.Retained WIBF light welterweight title.
Win12–2 Flag of South Africa.svg Michelle StraussTKO3 (6)2000-03-09 Flag of England.svg York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.
Win11–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Sharon Anyos UD101999-10-31 Flag of England.svg David Lloyd Tennis Centre, Raynes Park, London.Won vacant WIBF light welterweight title.
Win10–2 Flag of Germany.svg Heike NollerUD81999-04-01 Flag of England.svg Birmingham, West Midlands
Win9–2 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Marischa SjauwUD101999-02-20 Flag of England.svg Stockton on Tees, County DurhamWon WIBF light welterweight title.
Win8–2 Flag of Germany.svg Simona LukicTKO2 (6)1998-11-25 Flag of England.svg Caesars Nightclub, Streatham, London
Loss7–2 Flag of the United States.svg Dora Webber PTS102001-06-20 Flag of the United States.svg Tropicana Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New JerseyFor vacant IWBF light welterweight title.
Loss7–1 Flag of the United States.svg Dora Webber SD61997-10-24 Flag of the United States.svg Lula, Mississippi
Win7–0 Flag of the United States.svg Leah MellingerUD101997-08-07 Flag of the United States.svg Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, ConnecticutRetained WIBF light welterweight title.
Win6–0 Flag of the United States.svg Andrea DeShong TKO7 (10)1997-03-02 Flag of the United States.svg New Orleans, Louisiana.Retained WIBF light welterweight title.
Win5–0 Flag of France.svg Sandra GeigerPTS101996-05-31 Flag of Denmark.svg K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkWon WIBF light welterweight title.
Win4–0Flag placeholder.svg Julia ShirleyPTS61995-07-01 Flag of England.svg Fleetwood, Lancashire
Win3–0Flag placeholder.svg Jane JohnsonTKO4 (6)1995-04-01 Flag of England.svg Speedway Stadium, Fleetwood, Lancashire
Win2–0Flag placeholder.svg Fosteres JosephPTS61995-01-01 Flag of England.svg Fleetwood, Lancashire
Win1–0Flag placeholder.svg Kalpna ShahTKO2 (6)1994-10-30 Flag of England.svg Wigan, Greater ManchesterProfessional debut.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Jane Couch biography". Wban.org. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  2. ↑ "Nicola Adams to fight 3-minute rounds in next bout". 4 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022.
  3. ↑ Joseph Santoliquito (7 December 2023). "Diego Corrales and Ricky Hatton top the 2024 Hall of Fame Class". The Ring . Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  4. ↑ "Round one for women's boxing". BBC News. 24 November 1998. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
  5. ↑ Bentham, John (February 1998). "12 and 13 February 1998 – Tribunal 1, 100 London Road, Croydon, UK". #4. Punkcast . Retrieved 12 February 2010.
  6. ↑ "March: Jane Couch". BBC News. 22 December 1998. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
  7. ↑ "Couch Interview". 19 September 1999. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  8. ↑ "Just give her a ring". The Guardian. London. 7 January 2001. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
  9. ↑ "Jane Couch in legal battle for right to fight a man". The Daily Telegraph. London. 9 June 2001. Archived from the original on 28 August 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
  10. ↑ "Women's Boxing: Jane Couch Interview". www.womenboxing.com.
  11. ↑ Worsell, Elliot (12 January 2018). "Jane Couch says today's female fighters "couldn't lace Lucia Rijker's boots" - Boxing News". www.boxingnewsonline.net.
  12. ↑ "Sport | Women's boxing makes instant impact". BBC News. 25 November 1998. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  13. ↑ "Boxing: First Night Jane Couch - Women face an even bigger fight". Independent.co.uk . 29 November 1998. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  14. ↑ "Couch calls time on boxing career". BBC News. 2 December 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2008.
  15. ↑ "Video: Jane Couch retires from boxing". 2 December 2008. Archived from the original on 13 March 2009. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  16. ↑ Couch, Jane (February 2001). Jane Couch – Fleetwood Assassin. Blake. ISBN   978-1-85782-435-3.
  17. ↑ "No. 58358". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 June 2007. p. 15.
  18. ↑ "AOCA / Awakening Outstanding Contribution Award". Awakeningfighters.com. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  19. ↑ "JANE COUCH 2016 IWBHF INDUCTEE". iwbhf.com. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  20. ↑ "About the IWBHF". Wban.net. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  21. ↑ "Couch takes on Superstar status for TV – Fleetwood Today". www.fleetwoodtoday.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  22. ↑ "Boxing | Jane Couch links up with Ricky Hatton | This Is Bristol | Bristol Post". This Is Bristol. 2 February 2009. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  23. ↑ "No more excuses, women's boxing should be at Olympics, says Jane Couch – Times Online". The Times. London. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2009.[ dead link ]
  24. ↑ Chennaoui, Orla. "Women's Boxing To Be Made An Olympic Sport in Landkmark Ruling By International Olympic Committee – UK News – Sky News". Sky News. Archived from the original on 17 August 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  25. ↑ "Bristol City star Brad gloves up for Christmas show". Thisisbristol.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  26. ↑ "JaneCouchBoxing". YouTube . Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  27. ↑ "Jane Couch". BoxRec.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
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