WHEN Jane Couch received the call a few months ago that she would be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, she dismissed the very idea that the Class of 2024 included the “Fleetwood Killer.”
“These days, halls of fame are everywhere, and I thought, ‘Yeah, right,’ so I shrugged,” she says.
On the other end of the call was IBHOF founder and executive director Ed Brophy, who probably shrugged as well because he returned with a second call and asked Couch about her ring size, which raised the tone of the 55-year-old former world champion.
“‘Why do you need my ring size?’” And he said, “Because you’re in the hall of fame,” and I said, “Really (laughter).” And then I saw Ricky [Hatton] I was in it and I thought, “Wow.”
In today’s terminology, introducing Couch could be described as “getting her flowers.” A term used online and (I believe) in the real world when someone is recognized for their achievements in their field.
Couch’s skepticism about Brophy’s initial invitation is a defense mechanism based on how she was treated years ago when there was no recognition, which led to fights both inside and outside the ring.
“I fought for the law, not for money,” she says.
Couch remembers those who fired her then, who in 2024 are great supporters of women’s boxing. Many people who actually owe a lot to her seem to forget the name Jane Couch and she is rarely mentioned on TV. But it’s probably her face and voice that don’t match what the broadcasters show on our screens.
Couch recalled a conversation with the overdue, great Glyn Leach, former editor of Boxing Monthly, who told her she didn’t fit in and that she said one wrong thing and she would be gone.
“He was wonderful,” Couch said of Leach.
“He was one of my real mates and always told me how it was and was very supportive. He would call me at 2 a.m. and say, “Good luck with your fight,” and encourage me. And the YouTube channel (which she and Rita Lomas had) saw it grow. He missed you.
“They broke the mold when they made it. I had deep, deep conversations with him for hours. We met at punk concerts, but back then it wasn’t about being a star and having all these fans, it was about a pure heart. He was an amazing man.”
Today it also has its supporters. With her is her partner Brian, who met with fellow candidate Ricky Hatton and his group before going to America. As she explained, another group of people are joining Couch on her journey.
“There is a film crew with me because in the film they tell the story of my life.
“Shooting starts in November. Everything came out and they wanted to make a series, and we didn’t think it was a series, but it happened. Then the lockdown happened and now everything is working again. We also have a tiny, suspenseful documentary.”
Contrary to reports, Suranne Jones will not play on the couch; instead, this role will land at someone’s feet and fists. However, Jones will play one of two women lawyers – Sarah Leslie and Dinah Rose – who successfully fought (in 1998) alongside Couch against the British Boxing Board of Control to allow women to box in the UK. You can also read Couch’s brave and incredible story, which was published in 2019 and will serve as material for telling her story on the massive screen.
“She [Suranne Jones] she never entertained me, she just played lawyer,” Couch says.
“It was me and two lawyers. Sarah Leslie died at the age of 42 from breast cancer. When I wrote this book, I dedicated it [to Sarah]. It was us three women who actually fought. A lawyer, a lawyer and me. The book was therefore dedicated to Sara, who died of breast cancer. She would be very proud to see what women’s boxing looks like.
Couch may have won the case, but the wounds remain deep. Although the bitterness may be less, the memories remain, but contentment stabilizes everything. Now, to her surprise, she is part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Her toughest opponent this weekend looks like a speech she has to give as part of her introduction and tight schedule.
“I’m good at speaking, it’s just a speech… I don’t know what to say,” she said.
asked Couch if she had anything prepared.
“Fuck you,” she laughed. “I’ll just put it out of my mind. No delights or charms.
Being in America feels like a second home to the pioneering Couch, as does the amount of time spent there, fighting at places like Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut and the 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 for Couch above all others.
“Victory [super-lightweight] world title [in 2004]. When I fought Jamie Clampitt, we had Ring magazine [female] fight of the year. He comes to the Hall of Fame to see me inducted. Of course, also winning his first world title in Denmark. Those were crazy times. The Lewis-Klitschko Act was unique because Ryker and I fought over it. I fought on the Roy Jones Jr. card… it was a great experience. There are quite a few. I think I’ll get an MBE for this. All good memories. We’re all doing fine… I’m 55!
“I just take it all with a pinch of salt,” she added. “I don’t do all this shit about celebrities, it’s not me, not my scene. I’m just enjoying life. Home to Fleetwood by the sea. I suppose it’s nice that you’re recognized in film and in the hall of fame.
And with those words, Couch said goodbye, preparing for a moment in her life that was well deserved and long overdue.
MMA6 months ago
Interviews1 month ago
Interviews1 month ago
MMA6 months ago
MMA6 months ago
Boxing4 months ago
Interviews6 months ago
Opinions & Features2 months ago