Title eliminator bid for Tori-Ruegg battle

Tori-Ellis Willetts…tough test at Holiday Inn on May 10

FOLLOWING her first title tilt and first loss, former celebrated amateur Tori-Ellis Willetts wades straight back into championship action on May 10.

The Sutton Coldfield super-bantam will face tough and experienced Gemma Ruegg at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, with a push being made to give the clash “British title eliminator” status.

For Tori, managed by Nathaniel Howell, it’s a shot at redemption. She had dazzled and been tipped for big things before facing Tysie Gallagher for the Commonwealth and WBO international belts in her sixth fight.

The occasion as much as the opponent appeared to beat Tori on that night, last September. She fought well below her best, was dropped in the second and clearly outpointed.

The 29-year-old returned to action last month, gaining a clear six round decision over heavier Beccy Ferguson.

In 40-year-old Ruegg, from Bournemouth, she faces a warrior who has faced top level opponents in a 22 bout career (eight wins, one draw).

Earlier this month she was outpointed by Francesca Hennessy for the WBA intercontinental title. Last year Nicola Hopewell decisioned Ruegg for the Commonwealth belt down at flyweight and she’s also shared the ring with Shannon Ryan and Shannon Courtenay.

Her record may be patchy, but Ruegg has had very few easy touches.

Holiday Inn show promoter Jon Pegg said: “Tori made the jump up (against Gallagher) a little soon and only just fell short.”

The loss has certainly not dented manager Howell’s belief in his boxer. Lessons have been learned, and he’s tipped her to go all the way.

Following the Gallagher fight, Howell told me: “When I first had a meeting with Tori I said, ‘I believe you will be a world champion’.

“I believe in Tori, we are definitely going to get her more opportunities. We had to roll the dice because it was a huge opportunity. For me, it was a calculated risk that, unfortunately, didn’t come off on the night.”

For Willetts, women’s boxing’s big time will be a lot closer following a win over Ruegg.