Hannah Rankin's incredible journey as champ goes from pulling pints in the SECC to throwing punches at the Hydro

Hannah Rankin admits it’s been a heck a journey to get to headlining the Hydro – even if it’s only actually been a couple of hundred yards.

The Scottish super welterweight queen is preparing to lay her WBO and IBO world titles on the line against Mexican ace Alejandra Alaya on Friday and become the first female fighter to top a major bill in the iconic venue.

And it will be extra special for Rankin who revealed she used to pull pints in the bars when the big gigs were in the SECC next door.

The 31-year-old worked just a hop and skip away during her student days when she was training to be a classical bassoon player.

Back then Rankin would never have dreamed for a second she’s be appearing on the biggest stage – especially not as a boxer.

But her whirlwind rise to the top of the fight game as taken her on an incredible journey and into the record books this week.

Rankin will walk out in front of 5,000 fans on Friday and she admitted it will be a moment to pinch herself.

The champ said: “It’s a dream come true. It’s a bit surreal and if you’d said to me six years ago when I was starting out I’d be headlining a female world title fight at the Hydro I would have thought you were having a laugh.

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