Rankin vs Ayala Fight Preview

Rankin Can Seize Opportunity as Champion

Two weeks after what was the biggest boxing match in women’s history, Hannah Rankin gets an opportunity to do it for Scotland. Katie Taylor brought more eyes to the region as she narrowly defeated Amanda Serrano in what could go down as the “Fight of the Year”. The Irishwoman isn’t the only one carrying titles or ready to represent. Rankin is as the boxing odds have her putting on a clinic this Friday.

The 31-year-old won the WBA and IBO super welterweight titles late in 2021 and is set to make her first title defense against Alejandra Ayala on home soil. While Rankin is not unbeaten like Taylor, she should make headlines here as well as cash as a bet online.

“The world of women’s boxing is changing,” former boxing promoter Barry Hearn said in an interview with STV. “A couple of Saturdays ago, we saw Katie Taylor against Amanda Serrano both boxing for a seven-figure purse, headlining the biggest boxing arena in the world, Madison Square Gardens.

“Miss Rankin, the stage is yours. No one’s going to make boxing easy, it’s a hard, hard sport. But at least we are in a position where they can get they can get some reward, they can get some excitement, and they can change their life.”

Rankin vs Ayala Fight Information

• Fight: Rankin (c) (11-5-0, 2 KOs) vs Ayala (14-5-0, 2 KOs)
• Location: OVO Hydro
• Day/Time: Friday, May 13, 3:00 p.m. ET
• Rankin vs Ayala Streaming: Box Live

Ayala Will Put On Show

As for Hannah Rankin’s opponent, Alejandra Ayala is an underdog walking into enemy territory. The Tijuana native is a long way from home, but she is carrying with her a winning streak including a pair of knockout victories.

True to her Mexican heritage, Ayala loves to come forward and will box like a “true warrior”. Even if she is in a losing fight here, she will help put on a show for the folks in attendance and Rankin is relishing the opportunity.

“She has an aggressive style – a come-forward fighter like most Mexicans,” Rankin said in an interview with The Ring. “It’s actually been on my bucket list to fight a Mexican, so I’m quite excited about it. I think we’ll put on a great show and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Rankin vs Ayala: Who Wins?

As the online sports betting odds have it, Hannah Rankin should successfully defend her belts in front of her countryfolk. Sportsbooks have Rankin as short as a 7-1 favorite to retain while the comeback on Alejandra Ayala is 4-1.

Both Rankin and Ayala are technical boxers who like to measure their shots, however, the Scotswoman will have a noticeable speed advantage. When it comes to fights like this, first to the punch usually dictates the fight.

As Rankin herself mentioned, Ayala is a dog and she will not be intimidated even if she is behind on the scorecards. Rankin could be in for a long fight though, she should have a celebratory moment when the final bell rings.