BACK IN THE ‘W’ COLUMN

Mick Kane sees Rankin outpoint Bajic to start her year off with a victory

HANNAH RANKIN headlined a Kynoch Boxing show at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Now based in London, the Luss-born fighter was looking to get back to winning ways after failing in bids for world title glory in her previous two fights. Boxing at 154lbs, she was up against former IBF welterweight champion Eva Bajic over eight-twos on this night. The Serbian-hungarian proved a durable opponent, though Rankin controlled the fight from the off. She was the aggressor in the early rounds, with Bajic trying to counter. Bajic’s best moments occurred in the fifth, but Rankin came back strongly in the sixth. Rankin went looking for a knockout in the final round, landing four rights that rocked Bajic’s head back. However, Bajic made it to the final bell, with referee Kenny Pringle scoring the bout 78-74 to Rankin.

Ahmed Ibrahim took on Gary Mcguire in an exciting all-glasgow affair, with both men trading blows throughout. Ibrahim appeared to have the harder punch and landed several good body shots, yet with his gloves held low, he left himself open for Mcguire to catch him on occasion with quick combinations. Referee Paul O’connor marked 59-55 in favour of Ibrahim.

On a night celebrating a famous Ayrshire man in Robert Burns, and the day after a great of boxing writing, Ayrshire-born Hugh Mcilvanney, passed away, it was appropriate for a young Ayrshire lad to have a runout. Despite giving away reach and weight to Bristol’s Ricky Leach, Drongan’s Neil

Mccubbin dominated the contest with his superior work rate and skill. Referee O’connor awarded the decision to Mccubbin by 40-36.