LUSS boxer Hannah Rankin has her eyes on becoming a two-time world champion as she prepares to take on the experienced Maria Lindberg later this year.

The 31-year-old will face off with the Swede for the World Boxing Association (WBA) world super-welterweight title as they headline a historic all-female card in London on Friday, November 5.

It’s a debut fight for Rankin with new promoters Fightzone and Dennis Hobson, and with a world title on the line, she admits it’s a dream scenario.

Speaking exclusively to the Advertiser, she said: “You can’t ask for anything better really. The fact it’s my first fight with a new group, and I’m going for a world title as the headline, is pretty perfect.

“There’s so much excitement in my stomach as we’re only four weeks out now. It’s going to be great.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on that world title – another one to bring home to Scotland!

READ MORE: Rally star Anderson 'absolutely devastated' after crash ends Yorkshire hopes

“The WBA is considered one of the big four world titles so I’ll be really happy to get my hands on one of those.”

It’s a return to the super-welterweight division for Rankin after her last outing in the welterweight category, when she defeated Kholosa Ndobayini by unanimous decision in South Africa, and it is one that has many happy memories.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil won her first world title in the same class back in 2019 when she became Scotland’s first female world boxing champion under the auspices of the International Boxing Organisation.

It will be a tough encounter against the 44-year-old Lindberg, who has picked up plenty of experience in the same division and Rankin isn’t taking anything for granted.

She added: “Maria has fought for multiple world titles and is a really experienced challenger, so I know she is going to be bringing it, and it’s a chance for her to finally become world champion.

“It’s not something I’m taking lightly, and I’m working very hard in the gym. Hopefully I get the chance to showcase new skills and other exciting stuff I’ve been doing.

“It hasn’t affected my training too much. I’m still working the same, I just don’t have as severe of a weight cut. It’s less stress.

“Super welter is where I won my first title. After that I went back down to welterweight for the fight in South Africa in March, and I was intending on staying there, but this opportunity came up and I thought ‘I’m absolutely having that’.”

READ MORE: Hockey: High five for Loch Lomond as Ardrossan struggle to handle the pace