Video: Jane Couch retires from boxing
Bristol's five-time world champion Jane Couch is hanging up her boxing gloves to concentrate on her new career as a promoter.
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Jane moved to Bristol from Fleetwood in Lancashire 15 years ago to train with Tex Woodward at the Spaniorum Gym at Compton Greenfield and quickly established herself as one of the city's best sportspeople.
During her illustrious career, Jane fought in front of millions of people across the world. Earlier this year, she was also awarded MBE at Buckingham Palace.
She may have been the UK's most successful women boxer of all time, but her lasting legacy is something she fought for out of the ring, when in March 1998 she won her claim for sexual discrimination against the British Boxing Board of Control, over its refusal to grant her a licence to box professionally in the UK.
Jane said that although her decision to retire "has not really sunk in yet", it has been something she has been contemplating for more than a year.
"I thought very hard about retiring, but I want to do something else and this has come at the right time for me," said Jane, who recently celebrated her 40th birthday.
"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."
Is Jane Couch Bristol's best sports star of all time? Have your say here.
8 Comments
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by celso, Brazil
Saturday, January 17 2009, 2:39PM
“We don¿t know J.C. personally.
We have heard about her life in an English class, and it is possible to see that she has loved boxing all her life.
Even knowing that she is retiring, we think she is still very important for those women who are practicing professional boxing.
Celso and Karine”
by Karine and Celso, Brazil
Saturday, January 17 2009, 2:38PM
“We don¿t know J.C. personally.
We have heard about her life in an English class, and it is possible to see that she has loved boxing all her life.
Even knowing that she is retiring, we think she is still very important for those women who are practicing professional boxing.
Celso and Karine”
by PJ, Bristol
Wednesday, December 03 2008, 5:47PM
“So what if Jane was born in Lancs. She resides/trains/promotes in Bristol. Unless you have been punched in for 15 years by pro's dont under estimate womans boxing. I presume you have no titles Mendipman. Lighten up dudes.”
by PJ, Bristol
Wednesday, December 03 2008, 5:41PM
“So what if Jane was born and bread in Lancs. She resides/trains/promotes in Bristol. Unless you have been punched by pro's for 15 years dont knock her boxing achievements. I presume you have no titles Mendipman. For Gods sake lighten up.”
by Sports fan, Bristol
Tuesday, December 02 2008, 4:39PM
“Jane who?”