Shock Split Decision Steals the Headlines as BoxNation Returns

On Friday, April 26, at the Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park in Huyton, Naomi Mannes (7-2-1, 4 KOs) defeated Hannah Rankin (13-8, 3 KOs) who suffered heartbreak again, following her split decision to Emma Kozin last time out. The whole card was shown live on the BoxNation YouTube channel.

Boxnation Returns: Hannah Rankin Suffers Heartbreak Defeat

Boxnation: Hannah Rankin vs. Naomi Mannes Recap

Rankin took on the role of aggressor from the first bell, but Mannes put together some nice combinations on the back foot in the opening two rounds. The counter combinations from Mannes were eye-catching, but Rankin began to close the distance well and work smartly on the inside. The pressure from the Scottish fighter saw her take over the fight in round four and dominate as she worked the body of a tiring Mannes. 

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Round five saw Rankin back her opponent against the ropes and unload a vicious combination which had Mannes hurt and seemingly saved by the bell. Mannes seemed to increase her output during rounds six and seven, landing some good combinations and appearing to have found a second wind. 

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The final round saw Mannes still pick her punches well, but Rankin continued to walk her German opponent down as both fighters looked tired as the final bell went. The judge’s scorecards were read 77-76 for Rankin, 77-75 and 79-74 for Mannes, awarding her the split decision victory, winning the WBA super welterweight continental title.

Post Fight Quotes

“I knew she wouldn’t have a patch on me. I’m just the better boxer,” said Mannes.

When asked if she wants to call anyone out, the German fighter said: “Chantelle Cameron. If she wants the fight.”

Undercard

James Heneghan (11-0, 1 KO) defeated Lukasz Barabasz (3-12, 1 KO) 60-53.

Olivia Hussey (2-0, 0 KOs) defeated Bojana Libiszewska (7-62, 1 KO) 60-54 in a professional performance.

Connor Mistiades (4-0, 0 KOs) defeated Edgars Sniedze (6-47-1, 6 KOs) 40-36 in a four-round contest.

Nelson Birchall (3-0, 1 KO) defeated the experienced Naeem Ali (2-123-1, 1 KO) 40-36.

Tursynbay Kulakhmet (7-1, 5 KOs) stopped Robert Talarek (28-25-3, 19 KOs )in the fourth round of their contest with a brutal body shot.

Boma Brown (4-0, 2 KOs) defeated Tobie Vermeire (0-2-1, 0 Kos) via second-round TKO in a one-sided bout.

Fabrizio Rubino (4-3, 2 KOs) defeated Paul Ryan (6-1, 3 KOs) in a shock first-round KO.