Barry: Lecturer by day, fighter by night

Jessica Barry (right)…top fighter who turned her back on football

IF there was a Mastermind tournament for professional fighters, my money would be on Jessica Barry, the bright-as-a-button featherweight who juggles the blood and bruises business with her day job as a college lecturer.

The 28-year-old – a qualified electrician – earns a crust outside the ropes lecturing on building service engineering at Solihull College.

She also studied computer science at Coventry University.

Jessica, from Coundon, Coventry, is no slouch with gloves on, either. She’s won both her pro bouts – the first by spectacular stoppage.

On June 3, she’s in action again in front of home fans at Coventry’s Sports Connexion, with a six or even eight rounder in the offing.

The rapid rise through the pro ranks is hardly surprising. Jessica, who learned her craft at Christ the King ABC, won 18 of 19 amateur bouts, was two-time national development champ, Universities Elite Cup winner and lost in the final of the elite championships.

That’s some CV.

The fight game attracts the delusional, the hard cases and the natural athletes. The natural athletes usually rise to the top – and Jessica is certainly an all-round sportsperson.

She also a fine footballer and cross-country runner.

Articulate and weighing every question, Jessica said: “I got involved in boxing to get fitter for football, which I played at a fairly high level.

“I just fell in love with boxing. In boxing, only yourself can let you down. In football, if not everyone has that attitude it can become frustrating.

“I never thought much about a career in boxing. I had GB training up in Sheffield. Although I loved it, my life is back here, back here in Coventry. Going pro for me was the next move to continue boxing. I much prefer the style of a pro.”

She’s managed by Jon Pegg, trained by family friend Derek Fitzpatrick.

“I do have a good engine,” Jessica said. “I can keep up that endurance and engine. I was shocked by my debut, that was not what I expected. My second fight was a big step-up straight away (Nicaraguan Wendellin Cruz sported a 5-3-1 record).

“I’m learning on the job, I’m still a novice compared to the other girls I’m boxing. I’m taking it one fight at a time. I feel I can achieve everything that comes. Winning a world title would be amazing – whether it happens, who knows?

“We’ll be pushing for titles by the end of the year. I’m determined to get the Midlands title at feather or super-bantam.”

In a very short space of time, Jessica has already made waves. She’s been short-listed for two gonga at the British Boxing Board of Control Midland awards, staged at Cannock’s Premier Suite on June 25.

Her victory over Cruz is in the running for female fight of the year and she’s one of three in the best prospect category.

Jessica added: “When I started, I used to get really nervous, then I realised when you’re nervous it doesn’t help you.

“My family are very supportive. I get married in July and I’m sure it’s not the lifestyle my partner would’ve chosen for his future wife.

“You don’t have the normal relationship with a boxer, you can’t go out for meals. Both my parents are very supportive. My mum found it very difficult at first, my dad has always pushed me.

“My grandparents come to watch me. They all realise how much work I put into it.”

Jessica is a prospect with a healthy following – and they may well follow her to the very top.