5 time World Champion Jane Couch MBE Interviewed by Michael J.Jones

Reprinted by Kind Permission of  Worldwide Weekly Boxing Predictions League

WWBPL freelance writer Michael J. Jones recently met up with former female multi-world titleist Jane Couch MBE,  In a hugely successful 14-year-career, Bristol’s “Fleetwood Assassin” took on all-comers in winning five world championships all over the world.

 In the course of a 28-11 (9) record, Jane took on the cream of women’s boxing from Holly Holm, Lucia Rijker, Jaime Clampitt and Anne Sophie Mathis. Couch was fearless, supremely confident and doggedly tough, she never gave anyone an easy nights work.

Still involved in boxing, promoting and managing fighters, Jane published her biography in 2001 and was proudly made an MBE in 2007. Tough-talking Jane also runs her own website www.janecouchboxing.com, and is a staunch supporter and participant of the Worldwide Weekly Boxing Predictions League.

Here’s what Jane had to say-

MJ) Many fighters start boxing after troubled backgrounds and you’re no exception. Would you say boxing saved you ?

JC) It’s always hard to get on in life without an education (Jane was expelled from school at a young age), sport was my education I met some great people and travelled the world.

MJ) Before you turned pro you encountered many problems getting a licence form the British boxing board of control, how frustrating was that being stopped from doing the thing you love ?

JC) It didn’t really stop me as I boxed abroad. The money wasn’t any good while I was boxing, I just paved the way to make it easier for the girls now. The board made it difficult in the beginning but at least I got there in the end.

MJ) I heard a rumour that shortly after turning pro you were keen to take on a male opponent in the ring, is that true ?

JC) I don’t know where that came from?? That’s ridiculous; men and women are different (in proportion). I trained with men my whole career but never (intended) to compete with a man.

MJ) In your 14-year-career you won a staggering five world titles, all in your opponents backyards. Which of those victories was the most satisfying to you ?

JC) The first Jaime Clampitt fight in Connecticut (a ten round points victory to win the IWBF and NABA titles), as they thought I was past it and took her two world titles. Also Lucia Rijker (tough points loss on the undercard of Lennox Lewis vs Vitali Klitschko) was one of the best fights ever seen in women’s boxing and Rijker is the best (female fighter) ever, fact !

MJ) Arguably your finest hour was the Rijker fight in Los Angeles. She was knocking everybody out at the time but she never seemed to hurt you ?

JC) She did hurt me, I’m just tough (laughs). No, we hurt each other and it was a pleasure being involved in one of the best fights in women’s boxing.

Note: Lucia Rijker was 15-0 (14) at the time of fighting Jane; and on a nine-fight knockout streak.

MJ) You retired in 2007 after three losses in good company, was it still tough walking away ?

JC) No, 18 years is enough I gave a lot of my life to boxing and the money (I earned fighting) was great. I did it to become the best, once I achieved that it was easy to get out, and easier as I’m still involved with www.janecouchboxing.com. 

MJ) How has the female fight game changed in the 20+ years you’ve been involved ?

JC) It’s changed a lot it’s more accepted now. Now the amateurs are letting the girls compete they get the chance to get experience before they turn pro. 

MJ) Do you feel a little saddened that female boxing will be at the Olympics (in 2012) when you never had that opportunity ?

JC) No way, my style would never have been suited to the amateurs. It’s all about point scoring. I was a fighter who wanted to fight, not jab and move!

MJ) You now manage and promote fighters, how does being a former fighter help you in the role ? 

JC) It helps being a former fighter because I’ve been there and done it all. Sometimes it’s not about the best fighters getting the shot (at titles); it’s about who you know. There’s a lot of politics in this game, you have to know what you are doing and who you’re working with.

MJ)  How are you involved in the WWBPL run by Andrew ?

JC) We cover the fight shows together, Andrew takes the photos,and writes articles and I do the interviews. The league is great for exposure for the fighters and promoters, many pros and boxing folk compete against each other. It’s the biggest league in the world and I’m glad to be a part of it.

First Published - Michael J.Jones Jan 2012.