(AUG 2) This week, WBAN got an opportunity to talk with Jane Couch in regards to her recent canceled fight against Christy Martin. 

Fox: Can you tell us why the fight with Christy Martin and you was cancelled, when you were to fight her in the coming months in Monaco?

Couch:  It seems that the promoter cancelled the show in Monaco for commercial reasons.

Fox:  Had you worked with the promoter of this event previous to this upcoming fight?

Couch: No!

Fox: Christy Martin put out a press release that is also published on her website and she states the following, “There will be no shutting Jane Couch up on November 3rd in Monaco. Alex Choco, has cancelled the fight between Martin and Couch for the WBC 140 title” ---- What is she talking about in regards to you as to “not shutting up” ?

Couch:  That was a weird thing for Christy to say. I have no idea what she was referring to.

Fox:   How long have you been trying to get a fight with Christy Martin, could you give us some background?

Couch:  It must be ten years or more since Tex (my manager) first tried to arrange a match with Christy. She priced herself out, if my memory is correct she asked for $250,000 plus several air fares to come to England. In those days promoters wouldn’t have paid $250. We have tried several times to get Christy in the ring, anywhere, but she has always had the connections to be able to box who she wants, where she wants., a benefit I have never had, or wanted. I have always taken any opponents, anywhere. Check my record for traveling.

Fox:  When the promoter cancelled this event, did you, or, (if you know) Christy Martin put any provision that you would be paid (X) amount if the fight got cancelled?

Couch: There was no mention of compensation in the contract, in fact the promoter had not signed the copy we were sent.

Fox:  Can you discuss what kind of purse that you and Martin were to receive for this fight in Monaco?

Couch:  The purse would have been by far the best I have ever had. I don’t know what Christy was offered.

Fox:  Has there been any discussion as to another venue, another promoter, to fight Martin?

Couch: No, but what has been discussed and agreed with Ricky Hatton’s agent, is that Golden Boy Promotions be asked if they would be willing to put Couch v Martin on the under-card of the Hatton v Mayweather confrontation in December.

Fox: .Martin expressed her frustration about this fight getting cancelled due to her and her team focusing on this fight, what have you gone through to prepare for this fight that was cancelled?

Couch:  I don’t get frustrated, I have been in the boxing world long enough to know that things can change on a phone call, for better or worse! As for my preparations, I have only been doing what Tex calls ‘ticking over training’ and helping out some of the young lads with a little sparring and coaching. One of the lads, Danny Butler, I have watched and helped from a schoolboy into a 19 year old unbeaten 7-0 professional. It would be great to get both of us on the Hatton vs. Mayweather show.

Fox:  What excuses did the promoter have for cancelling this fight?

Couch: The show would have clashed with too many other events, so reducing ticket sales.

Fox:  In retrospect have you thought about having a provision in your contract(s) that if a fight is cancelled that you will receive some kind of compensation for time spent to prepare for the card?

Couch:  Excuse me if I sound a bit flippant but in my experience contracts are only a rough guide as to what may take place. I have to say that the majority of times they are adhered to, Jimmy Burchfields Promotions are exemplary, but there have been other promoters who disappear. I got nothing for my fight with Andrea DeShong in New Orleans, luckily we had return air tickets. On one occasion Tex and I had to follow a promoter around the town the day after a fight before we got paid. As for the legal aspect, it would cost more in legal fees to claim the money than the small purses women boxers get.

WBAN would like to thank Couch for taking the time to be interviewed!

 

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