Luss fighter Hannah Rankin: "Professional sport needs more female voices"

Hannah Rankin is used to breaking down barriers in sport.

In 2019 the Luss-born fighter became Scotland’s first female boxing world champion, defeating American Sarah Curran on a night of high emotions in Paisley.

And earlier this year a dominant showing saw Hannah defeat Mexico’s Alejandra Ayala at a packed Hydro in the first defence of her IBO and WBA world championship belts.

However, Hannah is also aiming to smash down barriers outside the ring - as she aims to join a group almost as rare as female Scottish boxing world champions. Female boxing commentators.

Hannah told the Lennox: “I was supposed to be fighting in front of a home crowd last July, however, my plans changed and instead I did the commentary for that.

“I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the media side, especially commentary.

“I think professional sport, and especially boxing, could do with some more female voices.

“It’s definitely an avenue that I’ll be pursuing after my professional boxing life.

“I want to still be involved in the sport and I really enjoy the geeky side. Learning about other fighters, opponents, the setups and stuff.

“For me, that’s a dream job.

“There are definitely plans ahead to do some commentary with Sky Sports and broadcasters like that.

“I’m putting in the groundwork now.”

As a professional musician outside the ring, Hannah is used to performing under pressure away from boxing - and admits that the move behind the mic, which included working for Sky Sports during Josh Taylor’s world title defence earlier this year, was one that she instantly felt comfortable with.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil continued: “I’ve got quite used to talking into a microphone. I do a lot of media in the lead-up to my fights so I’m quite used