Former Bristol boxer Couch set for a new challenge

Former world champion Jane Couch intends striking a powerful blow for women in sport by breaking into the male-dominated world of boxing management.

Bristol-based Couch fought a long legal battle with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) nearly 20 years ago to become the first woman in this country to obtain a licence to fight professionally.

And after winning five world titles to become the most successful female fighter ever to emerge from Britain, trail-blazing Couch broke new ground by moving into the promotional side of the boxing business.

Having promoted 21 shows, many of them at Bristol's city

centre Marriott Hotel, the Lancastrian has decided to apply for a BBBC manager's licence.

"It's a natural progression for me," said Couch, who plans to manage and guide fighters from the Spaniorum Farm gym in Compton Greenfield, near Bristol.

"People said it was impossible for a woman to fight professionally in this country and I proved them wrong.

"Then they said I couldn't promote, but I did. Now I want to go into management and I'm determined to make it happen."

Farm boxers have previously been managed by Tex Woodward, who will henceforth concentrate his efforts on coaching and training.

"Tex and I have worked together for a long time now and we trust one another completely," added Couch.

"He looked after me brilliantly during my career and never once ripped me off. You need to be able to trust the people you work with in this business and Tex and I make a good team."

Providing a licence is forthcoming, Couch will in future look after the affairs of rising middleweight prospect Danny Butler and former Downend ABC amateurs Martin Robins and Pete Leworthy, among others.

She said: "My biggest wish is to be totally honest with the fighters I manage. You get promised a lot in boxing but it rarely happens.

"I'll be honest with the kids and tell them that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It's all about being realistic and managing expectations."

Veteran manager and promoter Woodward welcomes the next step in Couch's extraordinary career.

He said: "Jane needs the extra business now that she is no longer fighting herself and it makes sense for her to work more closely on management, while I focus on coaching and training.

"I believe the time is right for Jane to make this move. I've shown her the ropes and she has learned a lot and made many good contacts.

"She's already proved she can put on good shows and now she is ready to look after the fighters themselves."