RISING star Mace Ruegg is set to make his professional boxing debut in his hometown on Saturday night.

The talented 19-year-old is part of the bill on Steve Bendall’s ‘The New Blood’ show at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth.

Featherweight Ruegg is set to step into the ring having turned professional with MTK Global last year.

He originally competed as a Thai boxer before entering the Queensbury Boxing League – winning all belts at featherweight and super-featherweight level.

And promoter Bendall is pleased to give Ruegg his debut in the professional ranks.

He told the Daily Echo: “I was talking to Mace’s dad the other day and he said he’s never really fought in Bournemouth, so it’s a great place for him to make his professional debut and see what he can do.

“He’s now with MTK and he’s making his debut on our show on Saturday night.”

Also on the card is the likes of Harry Limburn, Ben Vickers, Jimmy Cooper, Joseph Butler, Bryce Goodridge, Jacob Gabriel and Finnley Judd.

“Hopefully I am building the next lads coming through,” said Bendall.

“I am working with all these boys and I just want to keep building the professional boxing scene here in Bournemouth.”