Barry looking to fight in her first 8 rounder

Jessica Barry…looking for third straight win in her home city

JESSICA Barry – fighter by night, college lecturer by day – chases her third pro win in her home city next month.

The 28-year-old hopes to compete in her first eight rounder on Tommy Owens’ June 3 show at Coventry Sports Connexion. The featherweight completed the six round distance in her last contest, a points win over Wendellin Cruz at the same venue last November.

During an interview at Birmingham’s Eastside gym on Sunday, Jessica spoke of her frustration over finding a suitable opponent.

She said: “It’s been hard to get opponents, but I was warned about that. I thought girls would be more forthcoming about fighting. But they’re trying to raise their record. I understand that, it’s a business.”

Barry, bright and articulate, entered the pro ranks last September after compiling a formidable amateur CV.

She 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.

Away from the bleeding business, Jessica lectures on building service engineering at Solihull College.

She studied computer science at Coventry University and is also a qualified electrician.

As well as boxing, Jessica is a talented footballer and cross country runner.

“We are hoping for eight rounds next,” Jessica said. “It’s a learning curve, we’re taking one fight at a time. I need the experience of a pro.

“I think I have good mental toughness. As an amateur, I was happy to take one to land one. As a pro – over the longer distances – you can’t keep doing that.”

Jessica is making waves in the sport very early on. She insists it’s too early to talk about title, yet is already in contention for honours.

She’s been short-listed for two gongs 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.