English title hopes for Banshee Barry

Jess Barry…looking for historic featherweight title shot

A BID to secure a history making English title fight for Jess Barry is gathering pace.

Manager Jon Pegg has asked the Boxing Board of Control to consider a contest between the Coventry prospect and Chelsey Arnell for the vacant featherweight belt.

If given the go-ahead, that would be the first time an English title has been contested by two women.

Arnell, from Hull, has won four of six (one draw).

It’s a welcome boost for 30-year-old Barry, the Midlands junior-lightweight champ dubbed The Banshee. Since turning pro in 2022, she’s seen a succession of fights fall through.

In a recent interview, Jess, who has lost one of six, told me: “I feel my face has been on posters for more fights that haven’t gone through than have gone through, although it’s probably 50-50.

“If I was fighting and not making money, I would be OK with that. But I’m spending money for not fighting.

“I love the training and the (boxing) journey, but I do think, ‘when is it going to end?’ I also feel I’ve given up too much for it not to come to anything. I’ve come too far not to continue. I believe in staying positive.”

Pegg pointed out such setbacks are a recurring peril for women pro fighters, partly because of the lack of strength in depth.

“I think all the girls are having bad luck,” he said.