From Fleetwood to Canastota, Jane Couch’s career touched the International Boxing Hall of Fame

WHEN Jane Couch got the call a few months ago informing her that she would be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, she dismissed the idea that the class of 2024 would include “The Fleetwood Assassin.”

“There are so many famous people these days and I thought, ‘Yeah, right,’ so I shrugged,” she said Boxing news.

On the other end of the call was IBHOF Founder and CEO Ed Brophy, who probably also declined because he returned with a second call asking Couch about her ring size, which raising the tone of the former 55-year-old man. The champion of the world.

“’What do you want my ring size for?'” And he said, ‘Because you’re in the hall of fame’ and I said, ‘Really (laughs)’. And then I saw Ricky [Hatton] was in there and I said, ‘Wow’.”

In today’s terms, Couch’s touch would be described as “taking her flowers”. A term used online and in the real world (I think) when someone is recognized for their achievements in their respective field.

Couch’s skepticism towards Brophy’s initial appeal was a defense mechanism based on how she was treated years ago without recognition, leading to fights inside the ring and outside ring.

“I’m fighting for what’s right, not for money,” she said.

Couch can remember the people who fired her at the time, who in 2024 are big supporters of women’s boxing. The name Jane Couch seems to have been forgotten by many people who really owe her a lot and it is rarely mentioned on TV. But chances are her face and voice don’t match what broadcasters create on our screens.

Couch recalls a conversation with Glyn Leach, the former editor of Boxing Monthly, who told her she wasn’t the right fit and that if she said one wrong thing, she would be gone.

“He was adorable,” Couch said of Leach.

“He is one of my true friends and always tells me how amazing and supportive it is. He used to call me at two in the morning, ‘Good luck fighting’ and encourage me. And the YouTube channel (she and Rita Lomas have), he can see growing. He missed out.

“They broke the mold when they created him. Used to have deep, profound conversations with him for hours. We met at punk shows but back then it wasn’t about being famous and having all these followers but just pure heart. He is a wonderful man.”

She also doesn’t have many supporters these days. Her partner Brian accompanied her and met up with colleague Ricky Hatton and his team before heading to the US. As she explained, another group of people were joining Couch on her journey.

“I had a film crew with me because they were making my life story in a movie.

“Filming started in November. They all showed up and they wanted to do a series and we didn’t think it was a series but they did. Then the lockdown happened, now it’s all back. We also have a short documentary.”

Contrary to reports, Suranne Jones will not play Couch; instead, that role will fall to someone else’s feet and fists. However, Jones will play one of the two-woman legal team – Sarah Leslie and Dinah Rose – who successfully fought (in 1998) alongside Couch against the British Boxing Board of Control to allow women’s boxing. he is in England. Couch’s brave and amazing story can also be read in Final round was published in 2019 and will be used as material to tell her story on the big screen.

“She [Suranne Jones] never played me, she played a lawyer,” Couch said.

“There are me and two female lawyers. Sarah Leslie died at the age of 42 from breast cancer. When I wrote the book I dedicated it [to Sarah]. The real fight is our three women. Lawyers, lawyers and me. So the book is dedicated to Sarah, who died of breast cancer. And she would be very proud to see how women’s boxing is developing.”

Couch may have won the case but the wound is still deep. Although the bitterness may subside, the memories will still be there, but satisfaction will stabilize everything. Now, she is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which still surprises her. Her toughest opponent this weekend looks like the speech she has to give as part of her introduction and a packed schedule.

“I’m good at talking, just talking… I don’t know what to say,” she said.

BN asked Couch if she had prepared anything.

“Have fun,” she laughed. “I will do it naturally. There is no air or grace with me.

Being in America feels like a second home for the pioneering Couch, such is the time spent there fighting at venues like Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut or Staples Center in Los Angeles on the Lennox Lewis-Vitali Klitschko card, where she fought the fearsome Lucia Riijker for eight rounds. But one memory of America stands out above all others for Couch.

“Win [super-lightweight] world title [in 2004]. When I fought Jamie Clampitt, we had Ring magazine [female] battle of the year. She was coming to the hall of fame to see me inducted. Obviously the first world championship was also in Denmark. Those were crazy times. The Lewis-Klitschko bill stands out because Ryker and I had a fight over it. I fought on the undercard of Roy Jones Jr… it was a great experience. There are quite a few. I suppose getting an MBE for it. All good memories. We are all moving forward… I am 55 years old now!

“I just take it all with a pinch of salt,” she added. “I don’t do all that celebrity bullshit, that’s not me, that’s not my scene. I’m just enjoying life. Return home to Fleetwood by the sea. I think it’s nice when you’re recognized in a movie and hall of fame.”

And then Couch broke up just as she was ready for a completely deserved and long overdue moment in her life.