There was frustration for Luss boxing star Hannah Rankin, as she lost out to fast-starting Swedish fighter Patricia Berghult in Malta last night.
The 29-year-old was looking to end a memorable year in which she became Scotland’s first female world champion with victory against the unbeaten Swede, but her plans quickly hit the buffers after being knocked down by her opponent’s first flurry of punches.
Hannah responded strongly but was facing a fighter who is used to starting on the offensive before using her quick footwork to frustrate her opposition.
And that tactic proved successful as Rankin shaded the rest of the fight - but without ever being able to land a knockout blow, despite having Berghult on the ropes on a number of occasions.
A strong right hand from Hannah almost tipped the bout in her favour in a dramatic final round, but it wasn’t to be with Berghult just winning by points decision 96-93 94-93 95-94.
However her proud promoter Sam Kynoch took to Instagram to show his confidence in Rankin’s ability to return from the setback.
He said: “Hannah got off to a terrible start - suffering a knockdown in the opening seconds.
“A poor second round followed but Hannah then regrouped and we thought she did enough to narrow the gap at the end to merit a draw.
“Congratulations to Patricia Berghult and her team - full credit to her as she boxed an excellent fight.
“Hannah has the heart of a lion. She will regroup and bounce back from this setback.”
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