Rankin targets Jonas unification fight: 'I back myself to win'

Scotland's super-welterweight world champion Hannah Rankin has confirmed she is keen to take on Natasha Jonas in an all-British unification fight later this year.

Rankin, riding a wave of success after becoming the WBA and IBO champion at 154lbs in November, has just had the first defence of her belts - scheduled for May 13 - moved to Glasgow's Hydro Arena due to demand exceeding availability at the smaller venue that had initially been booked.

The 31-year-old is confident of beating Mexican Alejandra Ayala and has her sights set on a unification bout with Jonas, who sensationally became WBO champion in February after moving up three weight divisions.

"When I win this fight for me my goal is to unify the division, that's what I want to do," says Rankin, who was part of the Sky Sports commentary team for Jonas' victory.

"It was a real surprise to I think everyone in the boxing world that Tasha stepped up to the super-welterweight division, but it's mixed everything up really nicely.

"That would be a great fight for women's boxing - both Tasha and I, world champions, in the same weight class, in this country - both flying the flag really high for women's boxing and pushing it forward and trying to be the change in the sport that we want to see.

"Both our styles are exciting, it would make for a very exciting fight when we get together."

In the aftermath of Jonas' victory over Christian Namus at the Manchester Arena in February, both the Liverpool fighter and promoter Ben Shalom expressed interest in a matchup with Rankin.

Jonas spoke of her "respect" for Rankin, but said she was "confident" of beating the Scot.

Rankin insists she would offer a tougher challenge than Uruguayan Namus, who Jonas spectacularly stopped inside