Barry bids to bring home another title

Jess Barry…faces Stevi Levy in Cannock for international belt

ANOTHER title beckons for Jess Barry, a fighter whose trophy cabinet appears to become more cramped with each month.

To date, Coventry’s Banshee has gained the Midlands belt at super-feather, English and Commonwealth silver at feather.

Jess is moving down to super-bantam for the next quest. She’ll face Stevi Levy on the major September 13 Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, show.

The title at stake has yet to be specified – with the current avalanche of alphabet organisation championships things have changed: The matches are often made first, then comes the search for the belt to be contested.

The posters advertise an “international” honour.

It’s a quality 10 rounder, regardless of the tag. Levy, from Norfolk, has lost four of 17 and fought for the British and European titles. Barry has a single early loss in nine.

It won’t be the first time the pair have shared a ring.

“When my third fight fell through, we boxed an exhibition,” said 31-year-old Barry. “It was fight of the night even though it was an exhibition.

“We’ve sparred, but that was about six years ago. She’s a very busy boxer, similar to me, she moves her head well. She’s probably more ‘come forward’ than a lot of the others I’ve fought. I’ve just got to do what I do best.”

Jess is back in action after a well-earned break – the last 12 months have been busy. She last boxed in April and came away from her first overseas assignment – the venue was Auch, France – with a points win.

“Four weeks, It’s probably the longest time I’ve had off in 10 years, but I needed it,” she said. “I thought it would be hard getting back to training, but it’s gone really well.”

After a frustrating start to her career, with cancellations and pull-outs, Jess can now dare to dream of very big fights. She admits to being a little surprised by the achievements to date.

“When I started boxing as an amateur, all I wanted to do was win the Midlands,” she said. “I went on to win the development championships.

“I never went into the pros wanting to win big titles – it’s always been about challenging myself.”

Now the mindset has changed.

“The British and European – those are the titles I’d love to have,” Jess added. “This fight is at super-bantam, but if something came up at feather I’d take it. I never felt small at feather, but as I move up (in class), I could well be.”