Bournemouth boxer ready for biggest challenge yet

Local boxer Mace Ruegg has announced that he will fight Joseph Butler in March.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a successful start to his professional career, currently holding a 12-0 record.

The fight will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on the 1st of March on the undercard of Queensbery Promotion’s “Collision on the Coast”

Ruegg is excited for the next chapter of his professional career.

He said: “I’m excited to display my skills, and to get the opportunity.”

“I’ve wanted this for a long time, especially on a platform like Queensberry and fingers crossed it can hopefully turn into something good for me.”

“At the end of the day, life is all about opportunities, and you only live once. I just want to enjoy the moment. Even if I don’t get anything from it, I got onto a platform like this and got the experience on a big show, there are so many fighters out there that never get this opportunity, and exposure.”

Despite the fight only being announced last week and only being able to complete a six-week camp, Ruegg is prepared.

“I want to try new things. The levels a new step up, so the training has got to change, and increase” He said.

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Iain Weaver has joined Ruegg’s coaching staff. A former team GB teammate of Anthony Joshua and Joe Cordina.

Ruegg’s opponent, Joseph Butler, is a 25-year-old southpaw from Sussex, and holds an undefeated record at 5-0.

Ruegg said: “I think he’s like myself really, I don’t know much about him as a person, but boxing ability I rate him, that’s why i’m stepping up the training, and taking it seriously.”

“If I didn’t respect him, I wouldn’t be putting in the work I am.”

“Joe and I have no beef; I haven’t got an issue with him. He wants my position, and I want his position, it’s basically who wants that golden contract more.”

Reugg’s last fight was a points win over Nicaraguan-born Spaniard Bryan Mairena, at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth in November, and he hopes he can carry his form on, and have a successful 2025.

He said: “My goal is just to have a busy year; this keeps me focused and on the right track.”

“I want to stay in the gym and keep fighting. It doesn’t matter if I win, lose or draw, I want to keep improving myself as a human being and improve myself as a fighter.”