Senate Resolution No. 1705

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Jane "The Fleetwood Assassin" Couch upon
the occasion of her induction into the International
Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding professionals in the boxing industry who distinguished
themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining
unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement;
Jane Couch is one such individual and her life of achievements inspired
others and contributed to the respect and admiration of the sport of
boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jane "The Fleetwood Assassin" Couch upon the occasion of her induction
into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; she will be
honored within the Women's Modern category of boxers at the 35th
Anniversary celebration from June 6-9, 2024, in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 14, 1968 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England,
Jane Couch decided to start boxing after seeing a documentary on women's
boxing and becoming intrigued; based out of the Fleetwood Amateur Boxing
Club, she began boxing in 1994 at the age of 26; and

WHEREAS, As boxing was illegal for women in the United Kingdom,
while fights were taking place, they were unlicensed; in The Fleetwood
Assassin's fifth contest, she traveled to Denmark to outpoint Sandra
Geiger to capture the WIBF light welterweight title in 1996 and was
denied a license by the British Boxing Board of Control; and

WHEREAS, Unwilling to stand down to adversity, Jane Couch filed a
lawsuit to overturn the decision on the basis of sexual discrimination;
in a landmark ruling, a tribunal overturned the decision in March of
1998 and Couch had won the right for women to box professionally; and

WHEREAS, On November 25, 1998, Jane Couch made history as the first
female boxer to legally enter a UK boxing ring when she stopped Simona
Lukic in two rounds; she would go on to win multiple world titles in the
light welterweight (WIBF, WBF, NABA, IWBF) and lightweight (WIBF, WBF)
divisions and score wins over Jaime Clampitt (W 10), Carla Witherspoon
(W 4) and Sharon Anyos (W 10); and

WHEREAS, Following a loss to Anne Sophie Mathis (TKO by 2), Jane
Couch retired in December 2008 with a record of 28-11 (9 KOs); she
remained in the sport as a promoter and, in 2007, "The Fleetwood
Assassin" was awarded an MBE for services to the sport; and

WHEREAS, Jane "The Fleetwood Assassin" Couch clearly contributed to
the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of the International
Boxing Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our

attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jane "The Fleetwood Assassin" Couch upon the occasion of her
induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jane "The Fleetwood Assassin" Couch.