Bill Text: NY J01705 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Honoring Jane, The Fleetwood Assassin, Couch upon the occasion of her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-01-19 - REFERRED TO FINANCE [J01705 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J01705-Introduced.html
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.