Gemma Ruegg Explained

Gemma Ruegg
Nickname:The Rebel
Weight:Super flyweight
Height:5' 4" (162.56 cm)
Nationality:British
Birth Date:24 December 1984
Birth Place:Bournemouth, Dorset
Total:5
Wins:2
Losses:3
Draws:0

Gemma Louise Ruegg (born December 24, 1984), also known as Gemma Hewitt, is a British female boxer and business owner from Bournemouth, Dorset.

After suffering mental health difficulties and alcohol addiction in her youth, she took up sport on the advice of her family doctor. She went on to become the first female boxing champion at two weight classes in the QBL[1] after winning the regional welterweight title, ten weeks after giving birth to her sixth child.

Her trainer is husband Danny Ruegg, and her son Mace is also a professional boxer.

In 2016 she formed the fitness apparel clothing brand Combat Dollies, where she serves as director.

Early life

From the age of 16, Gemma had an alcohol addiction and suffered with depression and self-harm. When the family doctor advised her to join a gym, Gemma took up boxing as a source of focus, it turned her life around. She said:

She married Danny Ruegg in 2016 and has seven children; she also has 5 step-children. Following her doctor's guidelines, she trained throughout her pregnancy[2] and regularly takes her children with her to the gym.[3]

Career

Mixed Martial Arts

Gemma had two professional bouts as a bantamweight fighter, and one amateur bout, both with promoter House of Pain.

ResultOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationStatus
LossAgnieszka NiedzwiedzSubmission (Triangle Choke)1, Apr 12, 2014Cage Warriors 67, Swansea, WalesProfessional
WinChloe HinchliffeTKO (Punches)1, Nov 9, 2013Shock N Awe 15Professional
LossRute FriasDecision (unanimous)3, Sep 22, 2013British Challenge MMA 4Amateur

Pro Boxing

After winning two regional titles in two different weight categories at the Queensbury Boxing League, Gemma was granted her professional licence in June 2021. She signed with Dorset boxing promoter Steve Bendall, at SK4 Promotions.[4]

ResultOpponentTypeDateLocation
WinClaudia FerencziPTSApr 30, 2022Civic Hall, Grays[5]
LossChloe WatsonPTSApr 2, 2022Newcastle Arena, Newcastle[6]
LossEmma DolanPTSDec 18, 2021Norfolk Showground, Norwich[7]
LossTysie GallagherPTSNov 26, 2021DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (formerly Park Hotel), Sheffield
WinClaudia FerencziPTSOct 22, 2021Central Hall, Southampton

Combat Dollies

In 2016, Gemma set up the fitness apparel clothing brand Combat Dollies. She stated:[8]

Her gymwear has been featured in the 28th season of the TV show The Ultimate Fighter,[9] worn by Invicta fighting champion MMA fighter Pannie Kianzad.

She is the sole director of the company.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bournemouth mum takes up boxing to improve mental health. BBC . 26 May 2022.
  2. Web site: Mum-of-six will get back in boxing ring three weeks after birth . Bournemouth Echo . 26 May 2022.
  3. Web site: Talk about multitasking! boxing mum-of-eight competes in ring with kids – and was even training while pregnant . Storytrender . 26 May 2022.
  4. Web site: Bournemouth boxer Ruegg 'immensely happy' to have turned professional . Bournemouth Echo . 26 May 2022.
  5. Web site: Bournemouth boxer Gemma Ruegg set for hometown fight . Bournemouth Echo . 22 Jun 2022.
  6. Web site: Gemma Ruegg to face ex-Ricky Hatton trained boxer this weekend . Bournemouth Echo . 26 May 2022.
  7. Web site: Age is no barrier for Walsh brothers . Eastern Daily Press . 22 Jun 2022.
  8. Web site: Boxer Gemma hopes for knockout win as her gym clothing company goes up for top award. Dorset Biz News . 26 May 2022.
  9. Web site: Bournemouth sportswear brand to get a showing on TV's The Ultimate Fighter . Bournemouth Echo . 26 May 2022.