Rankin world title bid is ‘a huge fight in every respect’

Hannah Rank in has enough on her mind without having to also consider the consequences of her actions. Her manager Sam Kynoch, though, believes that success for the 28 year-old in her IBO super-welterweight world title fight on Saturday will reverberate right across the country.

Rankin, a classical musician to trade, will become Scotland’ s first female boxing world champion if she can defeat American Sarah Curran in Paisley in a bout that will be shown live on the BBC.

Kynoch is confident victor y will not only shatter tired stereo types about women’s boxing but also elevate his fighter to the status as role model for a generation.

“This is a massive fight in ever y respect,” said Kynoch. “It would be huge if Hannah were to become Scotland’ s first ever female world champion. She fought previously in the States for world titles above her natural weight. Now she’s at home and at the right weight so it’s all on her terms now.

“It will also be a turning point in terms of perceptions. If people are unsure or cynical about female boxing then I’d tell them to come along or tune in as this will be the perfect showcase for the sport. Both boxers are buzzing and ra ring to get in the ring and there will be fireworks, simple as that.

“This is a world title fight and stylistically it’s going to be a war. They’re both aggressive boxers. So any doubters should tune in on the BBC and give it a chance. If you’ ve never watched a female fight before then this would be the best way to start.”

On inspiring future female b ox ers,Kynoch added :“Hannah is very aware that girls coming through the amateur ranks are looking up to her. She knows this will bea pivot al moment in terms of the role she takes on as an ambassador for the sport.”

• Kynoch Boxing’s History In The Making night is on Saturday, live on BBC Scotland from 10:50pm. Tickets via Eventbrite.