Now Barry looks to face the world’s best

Jess Barry…back after injury and hungry to take step to another level

JESS Barry was handed a much stiffer comeback test than expected – and passed with flying colours.

At the Excelsior Sporting Club, Cannock, last Thursday, Coventry’s Banshee was originally slated to ease back following injury against one fight novice Tracey Webber. That appeared little more than a rust-shedding exercise.

But a late reshuffle saw her face Bolton’s Linzi Buczynskyj over six rounds – a far more demanding night’s work.

For Barry, there must have been a distinct sense of déjà vu. The 31-year-old faced Buczynskyj, with her English featherweight title on the line, at the same venue last March. That proved a terrific 10 rounder, with Jess copping some heavy right hands before taking the decision.

Buczynskyj and her team felt they had done enough.

This time, there could be no complaints. The gung-ho approach of that first scrap was replaced by more measured aggression from Jess.

Having her first fight for close to a year, Barry ran out a 59-56 winner – four rounds to one, with one even.

Manager Jon Pegg said: “Jess looked sharp. Unlike last time, she didn’t rush out and get clipped in the first 10 seconds.”

Barry, who has now won nine of 10 contest, will fight again this month – this time in her home city. She’s scheduled to face rugged veteran Gemma Ruegg on Scott Murray’s huge title show at Sports Connexion.

After that, the hunt for big fights on big bills is cranked up. Attempts were made to secure Barry’s service on next month’s Most Valuable Promotions all-female card in London – a ground-breaking event, but that fell through.

Her opportunity will surely arrive within months.

Pegg said: “She’s knocking on doors and. At 31, wants to take what comes. She’s talented, very dedicated and very sensible and intelligent. Those are great qualities for a fighter to have.

“And her future is definitely at super-bantam. She was 9st 3lbs for this one on the day. With a ‘day before’ weigh-in there’s no way she’s a featherweight.”

Barry was certainly pleased with her night’s work, posting: “What a night! Got the win after 11 challenging months out of the ring and yet my most composed and dominant performance yet. It’s always been my goal to provide entertaining fights with great opponents and, of course, this was proved when we were announced as yet another Fight of the Night!

“Last night proved, to not only myself but everyone watching, that I’m ready for the next step in my career as we now move down to super-bantamweight.

“All I need now is that chance to show everyone what I can do on the big stage and I’m more than ready for it. It’s time to take my following around the world and fight the best in the division and keep adding to the belt collection.”

That collection already includes Midlands, English and Commonwealth silver belts.