TICKETS have gone on public sale for Luss boxer Hannah Rankin’s Hydro homecoming bout next month.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, the former Hermitage Academy pupil will take on Mexican fighter Alejandra Ayala at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on May 13 in the first defence of the WBA and IBO super-welterweight world titles she won last year.

The Rankin-Ayala bout – which, if it ends in a home win, could pave the way for a unification fight against reigning WBO champion Natasha Jonas – is the headline contest on a night which will also feature some of Scotland’s best young boxing talent.

The bill so far includes IBO international cruiserweight champion David Jamieson, Commonwealth featherweight title holder Nathaniel Collins, WBC international silver super welterweight champ Kieran Smith, and unbeaten prospects Michael McGurk and Calvin McCord.

It's the first time a woman has headlined a major fight event in Scotland and comes after Rankin, 31, won the WBA and IBO titles by defeating Sweden's Maria Lindberg in London last November.

Ayala has won 14 of her 19 career fights, with eight KOs, but this is her first attempt at claiming world honours.

“Defending my titles in front of my home fans is a dream come true,” Rankin told Fightzone TV, who will broadcast the bout live for those unable to attend in person.

“For me, flying the flag for Scottish boxing is so important, especially as a female in the sport.

“I want an exciting fight for the fans and I want everyone that turns up to see something great.”

Tickets, starting at £57.95 (including admin fee) are available via ovohydro.com and Ticketmaster.