BOURNEMOUTH'S Mace Ruegg claimed the Queensbury Boxing League national featherweight title with victory over Danny Newth and then set his sights on all challengers.

The fight, staged at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, was competed over five rounds on the undercard of the Quest Knockout Tournament, reports Jack Figg.

In signature style, Ruegg started the bout by switching from orthodox to southpaw, whipping in hooks and jabs at range while also effectively slipping and ducking oncoming danger.

Ruegg switched from boxing on the outside by meeting Newth in the inside as the two exchanged hooks but neither landed the telling blow.

In the third round, Ruegg reverted back to his illusive footwork, gliding in and out of range within seconds before unloading with four punch combinations.

As the fight moved into the latter stages, Newth began to close down his opponent and found most of his success when Ruegg was pinned on the ropes. However, the slipper featherweight from Bournemouth, avoided any danger.

In the fourth and fifth rounds, Ruegg unloaded with big hooks from both orthodox and southpaw, changing angles on the way in and out of each combination.

Despite Newth’s occasional success, the fight went the distance and Ruegg was comfortably handed the decision victory declaring him the new QBL national featherweight champion.

“I would say my performance was great, but it could be better because you can improve with every single fight,” said Ruegg, accessing his performance after the fight.

“I had fun and enjoyed it because this boxing game is all about the fun. Without the fun, there's no point being in this game.

“I had fun and it was a good performance. He was a strong lad and I enjoyed it. He was a tough boy, I've fought some tough lads before and he was up there.

“I want to take more titles and defend more titles, that’s the plan. I’ve had three fights this year in the league, I’ve had a really good year and we’ll see where we go from here.”