Hannah Rankin: Scot wins WBA and IBO light-middleweight titles

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Hannah Rankin had the stamina to outlast an opponent 13 years her seniorImage source, SNS
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Hannah Rankin had the stamina to outlast an opponent 13 years her senior

Scottish fighter Hannah Rankin is a two-time world champion after beating Maria Lindberg by unanimous decision to take the vacant WBA and IBO light-middleweight titles.

After a close contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the judges scored it 98-92, 98-92, 97-93 in favour of Rankin.

The 31-year-old regains the IBO belt having become Scotland's first female world champion in May 2019, before defeat to Patricia Berghult six months later.

Ranking's record now stands at 11-5 after overcoming Lindberg, 44, who suffered the eighth loss of her 27-fight career.

"Absolutely buzzing at the moment, very happy," the Scot told Good Morning Scotland.

"I knew this was going to be hard fight. Maria Lindberg is a very experienced fighter, she's always on point. She lives and breathes boxing.

"I knew she was going to turn up and she was going bring it and that's what makes for an exciting fight. I wanted it to be an exciting fight to win the world titles. I'm really, really pleased. It was a great fight all round.

"It's amazing to reclaim the IBO, very proud to have that back. Very pleased to have it joining the WBA as well. I've been wanting that WBA for a very long time."