Tori faces a real test from tough Ruegg

Tori-Ellis Willetts…headlining at the Holiday Inn on Saturday

ONE defeat against a live, hungry opponent can add more to a rising fighter’s game than five victories against journeymen.

Nathaniel Howell, the businessman guiding Tori-Ellis Willetts, has no doubt Sutton Coldfield’s former outstanding amateur will show that on Saturday night. Despite being outpointed in a crack at the Commonwealth and WBO international titles last September, Howell’s faith in his fighter remains unshakable. She will be a world champ, he insists.

In the 10 round main event at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, Tori faces her first real test since that below par performance against Tysie Gallagher – the only blemish on a seven fight record that appeared destined for the stars.

The 29-year-old is pitted against battle-hardened Gemma Ruegg – a Bournemouth boxer who has competed at the highest level – in an English title eliminator. The fight has been made at just under the super-bantam limit at Ruegg’s request – she’s competed at flyweight and can make bantam.

Ruegg may be 40 and comes with more losses than wins – 13 out of 22 contests (one draw), but her record is a who’s who of the sport’s best.

Tysie Gallagher, Emma Dolan, Nicola Hopewell (for the Commonwealth flyweight crown), Shannon Ryan, Shannon Courtenay – they’ve all been tested by Ruegg.

“This fight is a confidence gauge,” said manager Howell. “Gemma Ruegg is a tough girl, very experienced and does pose a threat. Tori has much more of a live opponent and the chips are on the table.”

Tori has had one bout since her title loss, outpointing former Midlands super-featherweight champ Beccy Ferguson in February. At 9st 12lbs, Ferguson looked fleshy and struggled down the stretch.

The sole defeat has built a better boxer, Howell believes.

“We have kept her in the gym, got her out again quickly and that has been great for her mental state,” he said. The training’s gone well, the weight’s gone well.

“One hundred per cent, she’s a better fighter – I’m seeing that in her sparring. The bond, the relationship between her and Karly (trainer Karly Gee) is a lot stronger in as far as she is listening to him a lot more.”

Howell added: “I really feel Tori can be a world champion. She has to really perform, and we’ll be looking for titles by the end of the year.”

First, Willetts has to beat Ruegg – and beat her impressively.