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Fight Academy will announce a new date and venue for Hannah Rankin’s first defence of her WBA and IBO world titles against Mexico’s Alejandra Ayala – which will be broadcast live by Fightzone.
Scotland’s first ever women’s world champ – Rankin is one of the world’s premier female fighters. A two-time and now double world title holder, the 31-year-old is in career best form after beating Swedish veteran Maria Lindberg in November last year to claim the vacant super welterweight belts.
Ayala has visited the UK previously, suffering defeat to middleweight star Savannah Marshall in 2018. More tellingly though, the 33-year-old has also been the distance twice – sharing 18 rounds – with current IBF World Super Welterweight Champ, Marie Eve Dicaire from Canada.
Now 11-5 (2), Hannah cannot afford any slip ups against Ayala, with some huge unification bouts on the horizon. As well as IBF ruler Dicaire; the division is now red hot after fellow Brit Natahsa Jonas claimed the WBO portion of the world title with a two round KO of Uruguay’s Chris Namus last month.
The new card will also feature an all-Scottish undercard featuring some of Scotland’s best boxing talent including IBO International Cruiserweight Champ David Jamieson and Commonwealth Featherweight ruler Nathaniel Collins.
Fight Academy’s Dennis Hobson, said: “Due to ticket demand we’ve had to change the venue and date of this show, and I’m looking forward to revealing all at the press conference.
“Women’s boxing is in a great place at the moment. The worldwide profile is incredible and Hannah is one of the biggest names in the sport. She’s already made history by being the first female fighter from Scotland to win a world title, and her story is inspirational.
“There are some huge fights on the horizon for Hannah, but this one against Ayala is a real test. It’s the first time she’s fought for a world title and she’ll be coming to the UK to cause a massive upset.
“The undercard for this show is top draw and one every Scottish fight fan will be interested in. David Jamieson is a really exciting fighter and is going to tear up the cruiserweight division, and Nathaniel Collins is already the Commonwealth Champion in just his eighth fight and is a nailed-on star.
“Full details will be announced at the press conference but the supporting bouts will feature title fights as well as some special up-and-coming talent.
“I look forward to meeting as many media and press at Tuesday’s press conference where we will announce ticket details for the event, and where there will be the chance to hear from Hannah, all the undercard fighters and trainers.”