Gemma Ruegg | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 24, 1984 |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | The Rebel |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Super flyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 23 |
| Wins | 8 |
| Losses | 14 |
| Draws | 1 |
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 step-son Mace is also a professional boxer.
In 2016 she formed the fitness apparel clothing brand Combat Dollies, where she serves as director.
Gemma's Achievements and Advocacy
In November 2024, Gemma became the Commonwealth Super Flyweight Silver Belt Champion, marking a significant milestone in her boxing career. Beyond her accomplishments in the ring, Gemma is a passionate mental health advocate. She uses her experiences with mental health struggles to inspire others as a speaker. Gemma has shared her journey at various organizations, including Numatic and Screwfix, emphasizing how fitness became a vital tool for her recovery and wellness. Through her advocacy, she aims to raise awareness and support for mental health issues, encouraging individuals to prioritize their well-being.
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:
My doctor kept saying: 'join a gym, it will do you a world of good'. I think now he probably meant a Fitness First type gym but I joined a boxing gym instead. Before I joined the boxing gym, my life was on the way to a train wreck… I was lost. Boxing gave me goals. It's given me something to be good at. I don't think I would have found what I found in boxing anywhere else.
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]
Gemma had two professional bouts as a bantamweight fighter, and one amateur bout, both with promoter House of Pain.
| 3 fights | 1 win | 2 losses |
|---|---|---|
| Draws | 0 | |
| Result | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Agnieszka Niedzwiedz | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1, 3:59 | Apr 12, 2014 | Cage Warriors 67, Swansea, Wales | Professional |
| Win | Chloe Hinchliffe | TKO (Punches) | 1, 3:56 | Nov 9, 2013 | Shock N Awe 15 | Professional |
| Loss | Rute Frias | Decision (unanimous) | 3, 3:00 | Sep 22, 2013 | British Challenge MMA 4 | Amateur |
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]
| 5 fights | 2 wins | 3 losses |
|---|---|---|
| Draws | 0 | |
| Result | Opponent | Type | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Claudia Ferenczi | PTS | Apr 30, 2022 | Civic Hall, Grays [5] |
| Loss | Chloe Watson | PTS | Apr 2, 2022 | Newcastle Arena, Newcastle [6] |
| Loss | Emma Dolan | PTS | Dec 18, 2021 | Norfolk Showground, Norwich [7] |
| Loss | Tysie Gallagher | PTS | Nov 26, 2021 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (formerly Park Hotel), Sheffield |
| Win | Claudia Ferenczi | PTS | Oct 22, 2021 | Central Hall, Southampton |
In 2016, Gemma set up the fitness apparel clothing brand Combat Dollies. She stated: [8]
When I first started training in the gym I couldn't find any clothing that fitted. It was either too baggy, like men's clothing, or too tight and not flexible enough for women to wear. So I made clothes that I was happy to wear at the gym. Then I made some for my friends and then their friends and it grew from there."
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.