BOXING champ Hannah Rankin insists she will be too much for her opponent as she prepares to step into the ring for her next fight.

The reigning WBA and IBO World Champion and former Hermitage Academy pupil will aim to defend her titles against Terri Harper in a Scotland v England clash in Nottingham on Saturday, September 24.

Speaking to the Advertiser from the city ahead of the fight, Hannah, who grew up in Glen Luss, said: “I can’t wait.

“I’ve worked so hard for so long, with a 12-week training camp and I just get more and more excited as it gets closer to fight night.

“I’ve never fought in Nottingham before but I know it well. It’s a proud fighting city that knows its boxing. I’m based at the UFC gym so in some ways, it’s a home from home for me.”

In preparation for the bout, the 32-year-old jetted to Miami, Florida, and took a couple of girls with her as sparring partners.

“Miami was great,” Hannah said. “I loved getting some hot weather and I was hitting personal bests out there. I also work with people at Abertay University and that has been coming together at just the right time.”

Hannah is no stranger to her opponent on Saturday night, Terri Harper, and while she has respect for the English fighter, Hannah firmly believes she has the upper hand.

She continued: “Terri is a former world champion and we have sparred in the past.

“But she’s stepping up a couple of weight classes here and I’ll be too much for her. I’m a 154-pound fighter. I’ve stepped up myself in the past and I know what it’s like.

“I see it as Scotland v England – and I’m confident I’ll be the one smiling at the end of the night.”

Walking into the fight as champion brings its own pressure but Hannah has already successfully defended her title and told the Advertiser she relishes being in the spotlight, drawing parallels with her formal training as a classical musician at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, where she studied bassoon.

“Some people laugh and think the two interests are worlds apart and, yes, the concert hall is different to the boxing ring.

“But whether it’s putting in the hours of training and preparation or performing when it counts in front of the crowd, I draw on my musical training a lot in my boxing career.”

Hannah added: “There is always pressure when you’re champion – everyone wants to be where you are. Pressure is a privilege.”

Hannah Rankin fights Terri Harper at the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, on September 24. The card is due to get underway at 7pm and can be viewed at: www.dazn.com.