Barry looking to get back on winning trail

Jessica Barry…boxes in a six rounder at Coventry

JESS Barry will return after the first setback of her career a better, more complete fighter, her trainer has pledged.

The 29-year-old fights at Coventry’s Sports Connexion on October 14. In the opposite corner for the six rounder will be Chelsey Arnell, a Hull boxer with an identical record – two wins, one draw. Tommy Owens promotes and Danny Quartermaine tops the bill in an English title eliminator.

It appears an even encounter.

For Jess, by day a lecturer, the date is a chance to continue her march towards major titles. In June, she travelled to Northampton to face tough, experienced Vaida Masiokaite and was beaten by a single point.

Derek Fitzpatrick, who trains “Banshee” Barry at his Leamington gym, felt the junior-lightweight was hard done by.

It could’ve gone either way. It was certainly no robbery.

“Chelsey’s tall and rangy,” Derek said. “It’s not an easy one, but the things we’ve been working on in the gym are coming to fruition.”

And he pledged there’ll be no hangover following Jess’ loss.

“You have to try to take the positives from the performance,” Derek said. “I don’t think she was anywhere near her best, but she won four rounds to two – I stand by that.

“However, we move on. Getting rid of that ‘0’ can be a monkey off your back – and, remember, Vaida had more wins than Jess has fights (the Lithuanian’s record is currently 6-19-5).

“We’re happy and confident.”

Barry, bright and articulate, entered the pro ranks a year ago 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, she lectures on building service engineering at Solihull College.

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

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

She told me: “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.”