HANNAH Rankin says she is “ready to go” ahead of this weekend’s super-welterweight title bout as she attempts to become Scotland’s first female world boxing champion.
Thousands of fans will flock to the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley on Saturday night hoping to see the former Hermitage Academy pupil overcome American opponent Sarah Curran in the fight for the vacant IBO belt, which will be screened live on BBC Scotland.
Luss boxer Rankin is in peak condition after successfully coming through a testing 10-week training camp and she told the Advertiser she is desperate to get in the ring and claim the crown.
“I feel really good, very focused and I’m ready to go,” she said. “I’m counting down the hours and minutes now until that first bell rings.
“I’ve been monitoring my weight this week and it’s good, so that’s one of the main stresses off my mind.
“Now it’s all about keeping sharp and in game.
“It’s been a busy week and I just can’t wait to get in there.”
READ MORE: Hannah Rankin: from Luss sheep farm to the bring of sporting historyRankin has previously stated in emphatic fashion that she WILL earn her place in the history books with a win on Saturday.
And that belief remains unwavering as she prepares for the biggest fight of her career so far.
She said: “As a boxer you’ve got to be confident in yourself. It’s been a long, hard 10-week camp but I want to put on a good performance.
“It will be great being surrounded by all my family and friends at ringside, but it does come with added pressure.
“However, every fighter would say the opportunity to fight in front of your home crowd for a title belt to become your country’s first female world champion is one you would grab with both hands.
READ MORE: Rankin set for world title bid on home soil“You also perform better with extra pressure and in my previous fights I’ve shown that I can be relaxed, calm and focused.
“It will be a great crowd, there’s no doubt about that. Scottish people are very good at supporting their own.
“It will be a new experience for Sarah Curran, fighting away from home, and she will need to deal with it on the night.
“But for me the tables are turned on their head and it’s a chance to fight in front of my own supporters.”
READ MORE: Advertiser View: Hannah's world title bid is great news for Scottish sportThe 28-year-old added: “I’ve worked for four years, two-and-a-half as a professional, and I said right at the start that I want to become a world champion.
“This is a chance to achieve that dream, at my own weight, at home: it’s safe to say when it does happen - and it will – it’s going to be the pinnacle.
“I wouldn’t be here without all my supporters in Scotland and around the world, and my manager, coach and team.”
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