HANNAH RANKIN says she will respect the threat of her American opponent but still expects to become Scotland’s first female world champion this evening.

The boxer from Luss takes on Sarah Curran in Paisley hoping it will be third time lucky after losing her first two world title fights in the United States last year.

Rankin believes those experiences have proved beneficial even in defeat and has already visualised lifting the IBO super-welterweight belt.

“Sarah is an aggressive, come-forward fighter and an American champion,” said the 28-year-old. “So I’m definitely not underestimating her. She’s in the position I was in last year – going to another country to try to win a world title. And I worked my butt off for those fights so I’m certain she’ll be doing the same thing.

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“But I’ve already envisioned what it will be like to lift the belt. I couldn’t understand any fighter who steps into the ring not feeling 100 per cent confident of their chances. I’ve left no stone unturned for this fight. I’m in the best possible shape and it’s now down to me to execute my plan.

“There are so many things I learned from last year. For one, I’m far more prepared for a full-on 10 rounds having had two world title fights. I’ve also learned more about how you feel in your corner when you have the dips in a fight and those times when you get a second wind. So those were great experiences to have on my record. That was the perfect set-up for this fight.”

Rankin, a classical bassoon player, will be rapped into the ring by Aberdeen grime artist, Ransom FA. And she felt it was important to give a leg up to another Scottish musician.

“I got in touch with him as I love his stuff so he’s going to be MC’ing me into the ring. I’m really excited about that. He’s done work with the BBC before on a documentary so he’s one of Scotland’s fastest rising grime stars so it will be great to walk out with him. I wanted to work with a fellow musician and give someone an opportunity on a great platform like this.

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“It’s the first time I’ve been MC’d into the ring. He’s got a good tune lined up and the crowd will hopefully go for it. Everyone including me should be buzzing by that point.”

Rankin admits the week of a fight tends to drag in but she is now raring to go. She added: “I’ve been really impatient waiting for the fight to come around. I’ve been down in the gym chatting to people, watched some sparring and just tried to chill out by watching TV. It’s all about getting myself in the right state of mind for the fight. And I’m ready now.”