HANNAH RANKIN’S opponent in the Luss fighter’s first defence of her WBO and IBO super-welterweight titles is reported to be on the mend after surgery.

Mexican Alejandra Ayala was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after being seriously injured the May 13 bout at the OVO Hydro, which Rankin, a former pupil at Hermitage Academy, won in the 10th and final round.

The 33-year-old was put in an induced coma, but in a statement issued on Rankin’s social media channels this week it was announced that Ayala had regained consciousness.

A spokesperson for the Rankin camp said: “We are pleased to confirm that Alejandra has now been wakened from her induced coma, following successful surgery, and is recovering in hospital.

“Everyone at Dennis Hobson Promotions, Fightzone Promotions, Fight Academy and Fightzone is so grateful to the wonderful team at [the] Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

“We’d also like to thank Alejandra’s parents for keeping us informed along the way, and also the British Boxing Board of Control for their support.

“Our best wishes are with this brave, brave warrior as she begins her journey of recovery, and we will be on hand to support her in any way we can.”

Commenting via Instagram, Rankin added: “Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and positive thoughts for @fenixayala and her family.

“Massive thank you for the world class medical treatment and finally thank you to my team for all the support during this difficult time.”