Boxing Punchlines: Jess ‘Banshee’ Barry

Jess Barry, junior-lightweight. Age 29, from Coventry. Pro record: 2-1

Where, when and why did you start boxing?

I only started boxing to get fitter for football. I started it in a white-collar gym, had a couple of very unevenly matched bouts, but from there I just fell in love with the discipline and structure it gave me and decided to join the amateurs.

My coaching team at Christ the King (amateur club) showed me mental toughness at a new level, but supported my personality traits and ability to perform consistently under stress and pressure.

How long did you train before your amateur debut?

A few years, I reckon. I think it took a year before they even let me spar! But I was stubborn and stuck it out and the rest is history.

You went on to have phenomenal success, winning 18 of 19 bouts. Who was your toughest opponent?

I think my toughest opponent was my good pal and sparring partner Petra Bartak. She was a southpaw and boxed out of Banbury and we faced each other three times before I moved down in weights and she moved up.

It was hard because by the third time we were really good mates and pushed each other so much in sparring.

Titles won or contested for?

I won two national development championships back to back, won the Uni championships, a few box cups and then challenged a GB seed in my final amateur fight which was the elite national finals.

Jessica Barry….looking for a Midlands title shot

How did you find the transition to the pros?

No problem at all, I was already thinking and training like a pro. I treat anything I do professionally. The pros just allowed me to create a style more suited to me.

What is your professional training team?

I box out of Fitzpatricks boxing gym in Leamington under Derek. But I’m surrounded by some great coaches and padmen at Fitzpatricks and a few other gyms. I’m managed by Jon Pegg who trains me once a week. On fight nights I’m supported by coaches from Bulkington ABC.

Tell us about your career so far?

So far it’s been hard, but that’s OK. I’ve always preferred the tough route. Selling tickets, keeping everyone and their expectations happy is tough going and can be really challenging when you work full time and everyone around you, supporting you, is skint. Fortunately I’ve got some amazing friends and family who have got me to where I am. They allow me to learn and progress in every fight by coming to support me.

Women currently box over two minute rounds. Would you prefer three minutes?

 I would much prefer to fight over three minute rounds. I have a great engine and I think this would really start to show over those longer rounds.

What’s next for Team Barry?

Few more fights before the end of the year and, hopefully, compete for the Midlands belt. Just keep progressing and learning as we go, keep entertaining the fans who come and watch me.

What’s the best advice you could give a young boxer starting off?

Be all in!