Next up in our series of chats with local sport stars is Jane Couch.
The former world champion boxer is a true pioneer in her field. She single-handedly fought the authorities to legalise women’s boxing in the UK, and changed the sport forever.
Although she wasn't born in Bristol she has lived in the city for more than 25 years, and was here throughout the peak of her career. Originally from Fleetwood in Lancashire, she grew up in Blackpool.
The 51-year-old met reporter Neil Maggs for a chat at the gym she trains at, Trojan in Bedminster. But they were, however, forced to film at the back near some woods, as the music was too loud, much to their amusement.
Couch talks about her career travelling all over the world, her greatest fights, the court case battle against the British Board of Boxing control, and the feeling of becoming the best in the world.
Being forced to fight and train against men in her early days, she says that her branch of feminism was many decades ahead of her time.
Couch also reveals her struggles with life after retirement, explaining how trying to replace the buzz of top flight boxing with normal life proved very difficult. One where she would turn to alcohol and prescription drugs to get herself through it.
Today she is in a better place and talks of her close friendship with heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, who she knew from a young age, and appeared in a recent Channel 5 documentary about.
Feisty, opinionated, honest and blessed with a wicked sense of humour, the interview is one all should enjoy. From one of Bristol's, and boxing’s real treasures.
Couch has an autobiography out in September called ‘The Final Round.’
