Tough foe for Jessica in third paid contest

Jessica Barry…facing experienced opposition this weekend

COVENTRY hope Jessica Barry has been pitted against very experienced opposition at Northampton’s Park Inn Hotel on Friday, June 2.

Jessica – looking for her third straight win – faces Vaida Masiokaite over six rounds. It’s a sensible match-up for an exciting boxer still gaining her professional ring smarts.

Lithuanian Vaida has faced the best female fighters in a 28 bout career (four wins, five draws). Only Chantelle Cameron – fresh from a famous points victory over Katie Taylor – has prevented her from hearing the final bell.

She’s drawn with our own Kirstie Bavington and been outpointed by Commonwealth lightweight queen Rhiannon Dixon.

Vaida represents a step up for Barry, who is already making waves in the paid ranks.

Jessica – likeable and articulate – does not conform to boxing’s norms. 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.

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.

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’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.”