Floats like a butterfly, plays like a virtuoso: Meet the classical musician who packs a punch in the ring

SHE is a talented classically-trained musician whose skills on the bassoon have won plaudits around the world.

But Hannah Rankin is making a name for herself on a very different stage – the boxing ring.

The 27-year-old, from Luss, beside Loch Lomond, won her first pro-boxing title last week in just her fourth pro fight and aims to become a world champion while continuing to perform and teach music. “So far, my two professions are working well together,” said Hannah, who grew up on Edentaggart Farm alongside her two younger sisters, Emma and Alice.

“My trainer, Noel Callan, takes special care to wrap my hands before every session so they don’t get damaged and affect my music.

“I was also trained in defence first, because I have to keep myself looking respectable when going on stage.

“Occasionally you suffer a black eye, but I won’t spar in the days before I’m playing a concert.”

Inspired by her music-loving mum Clare, Hannah began piano lessons at eight, moved on to the flute at 10 and later learned the bassoon at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Music with Honours at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow and then moved to London to study for her Masters.

“I’ve played all over the world with lots of different orchestras,” she continued.

“One of my highlights so far was playing with the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre for their production of Swan Lake in the Coliseum.”

Hannah’s other love has always been combat sports.

She took up tae kwon do when she was 10, but gave it up when music became a priority. While she was studying in Glasgow she went back to the gym and began Muay Thai boxing to keep fit.

“I carried that on when I moved to London, but when my trainer left he was replaced by Derek Williams, a former European heavyweight boxing champion, so I started boxing training and fell in love with it,” Hannah explained.

“I fought some white collar fights, which are three two-minute rounds where we wear head guards and 16oz gloves. Anyone can take part and all money goes to charity.

“Noel and Derek said I had natural talent and could turn professional, but only if my fiancé Mike and my dad, Andrew, were on board. “They both said if I wanted to give it a go, I should. My first fight was in May and I loved it.”

Hannah, who calls herself The Classical Warrior, has only suffered one loss so far, a controversial decision in Norway where she fought a hometown fighter.

Last weekend she won her first championship, the super welterweight international challenge title, in front of her dad, partner and little sister Alice.

“It was in York Hall, which is such a special venue in boxing,” Hannah smiled.

“My mum passed away four years ago but she is my motivation and always in my mind.

“My aim is to win the world title and to have a fight in Scotland.”