LUSS boxer Hannah Rankin hopes to make her youth count as she looks to become a two-time world champion when she takes on the experienced Maria Lindberg on Friday evening.

The 31-year-old was due to fight for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title but will now also compete for International Boxing Organisation (IBO) gold at the Banqueting Hall of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the bout being streamed live on Fightzone.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil’s opponent has plenty of experience in the super-welterweight division herself having won a world title in 2018.

Rankin won her world title in the same division when she became Scotland’s first female world champion in 2019.

And as she prepares to headline the Bonfire Night card, she wants to show what female boxing is really about – as well as picking up the title on the way – and she believes she has all the tools to do just that.

Speaking exclusively to the Advertiser, she said: “It’s really exciting to be headlining for a world title.

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“It’s going to be a great chance to showcase what women’s boxing is about.

“On the night I think age is definitely going to play a part.

“I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt when it comes to fighting for welterweight titles and fighting at a championship level, so I think we’re going to be pretty well matched on that sort of experience.

“She is a bit older and has been around a bit longer so I think my youth will definitely play a part. I’m younger and fitter and stronger.”

Rankin’s last appearance in the ring came back in March when she picked up a comfortable points win against Kholosa Ndobayini in South Africa with Lindberg’s last outing coming against an opponent Rankin knows well in Savannah Marshall, where the Swede was knocked out in round three.

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Alongside her preparations for this weekend’s fight, Rankin has found herself on the other side of the ropes providing commentary for Fightzone.

She admits it’s a path she can see herself going down when she hangs up her gloves, and has been glad to pick up the tricks of the trade from some of the best in the business.

She added: “It’s been amazing working with Fightzone and doing commentary. It’s been a real experience.

“I’ve been working alongside Glenn McCrory, a former world champion, Dominic McGuinness and Anthony Crolla. I’ve been getting some really good experience in with them.

“They’ve been around a long time and I’ve been getting some good tips so it’s great to be mentored by them.”