Rankin promises fireworks as she aims to recapture world title

Hannah Rankin says she’s excited to show how hard she’s been working as she prepares for her double world title fight in London.

Standing between the Scot and the IBO and WBA super welterweight titles on Friday night is Swedish fighter Maria Lindberg.

It’s been two years since Rankin became Scotland’s first female boxing world champion – and after losing the belt a few months later, she’s been doing everything she can to win it back.

Tonight at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, two world titles are up for grabs and the 31-year-old is ready to seize the moment.

She told STV News: “Having lost my world title before, against Patricia Berghault, and then calling out for the re-match constantly, nothing coming of it, she did nothing with the world title.

“She didn’t defend it, so they actually stripped her of the title. I’ve been slowly working away putting in all the groundwork since then.

“I’ve been taking opportunities when they’ve come up, against Savannah Marshall, for example. I’ve put my time in, I’ve put the effort in, I’ve worked hard.

“The fifth of November’s going to be a culmination of all that hard work that me and my coach have done over all the years since I’ve been boxing, so this one feels really special.”

Rankin is relishing the opportunity to go up against an experienced fighter, but is keen to show how she “levelled up” over the last year.

“I’m feeling great about it,” she said. “Maria Lindberg is a very experienced fighter, I’m not underestimating her in any way whatsoever. She’s been in with the top-level operators, just like myself.

“I know she’s going to bring it and be the best version of herself on the night. I think it’s going to make for a very exciting fight for people to watch.

“For myself, this training camp, everything has gone so well and I’m really excited to put on a show for everybody and showcase what I can really do. I want everyone to see the kind of ‘level up’ I’ve done over the pandemic. I’ve used my time wisely, shall we say.

“I think there’s going to be fireworks in our fight.”

‘Last chance for Lindberg’

At 44 years old, Lindberg may see this as her last shot at a world title.

“It’s a big stage, a chance to go out there and do it,” Rankin said. “She’s going to turn up there all guns blazing. I know that for a fact because if you ever look at any of Maria’s fights, you know she never shies away from a challenge.

“I mean, she took on the Savannah Marshall fight with 24 hours’ notice or something ridiculous. She’s very similar to myself in that regard.

“We both take on all the challenges and give it 100%, which is why I think people are going to be treated to a very exciting fight on the night.”