Hannah Rankin admitted that her mum was the first person she thought of after becoming the new WBA and IBO super welterweight world champion.
The Luss fighter, 31, defeated Maria Lindberg by unanimous decision on Bonfire Night to take both belts – breaking down with emotion as the result was announced.
Rankin took up boxing after her beloved mum Clare, who passed away in 2013, was diagnosed with cancer – and credits the sport with helping her get through her toughest times.
And she was at the forefront of Rankin’s mind in the ring.
The former Hermitage Academy pupil told the Lennox: “The moment the result was announced was very overwhelming. There was a big emotional outburst from me.
“It’s been a long time coming after losing the IBO title in Malta in 2019.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication. Especially from my trainer Noel (Callan).
“We’ve put everything into this and it’s finally paid off.
“I promised my mum that I’d do her proud. So the moment my hand was raised all that emotion came out.
“It was a very, very emotional end. And a moment I’ll never forget.”
At Tottenham Hotspur’s £1bn stadium, Rankin and Lindberg went toe-to-toe for 10 enthralling and fiercely competitive rounds, with the judges eventually scoring the bout 98-92, 98-92, 97-93.
And Rankin believed she was deserving of the win.
She continued: “There was a lot of pressure on the night, so I definitely feel like I’ve got even more to show and more to give. I’m already buzzing about the defence.
“People mentioned the age difference and said it would be easy because she’s older than me. But you don’t underestimate Maria.
“A world title was on the line. I knew she was going to bring it. It would be bad if you turned up for a world title shot and you didn’t give it everything.
“I was very aware of the fact that she was going to be a tough night’s work. I wanted to keep it long, keep her at range and not get involved in a tear-up.
“I think the classier boxing came from myself, and so did the bigger shots.”
Rankin is now targeting a defence of her titles on home soil in the spring.
She added: “I’m really excited to defend those titles in the new year, around April time.
“I think we’re looking at having a homecoming to defend them in Scotland. It would be absolutely excellent to have a home crowd.”
