Boxing champion Hannah Rankin has praised the “world class” medical staff at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as she confirmed Alejandra Ayala has woken from her induced coma.
The Mexican boxer underwent surgery after a tenth round defeat to Rankin in their title fight earlier this month.
Ayala challenged Rankin for her WBA and IBO super-welterweight titles at the Hydro in Glasgow on May 13 but was left seriously injured following the fight and had to be rushed to hospital after receiving treatment in the ring.
She has remained in the Glasgow hospital since.
The reigning WBA super-welter champion hailed Ayala as a “brave, brave warrior” in a social media wishing her all the best with her recovery.
Rankin also thanked her opponent’s parents for keeping her and her team informed of any updates.
The 31-year-old from Luss in Argyll and Bute also said her and her team will “be on had to support her in anyway we can.”
The statement released through her management and promotional teams Dennis Hobson Boxing and Kynoch Promotions on Tuesday said: “We are pleased to confirm that Alejandra has been wakened from her induced coma.
“Everyone is so grateful to the wonderful team at the Glasgow University Hospital.
“We would also like to thank Alejandra parents for keeping us informed along the way and also the BBBoC for their support.
“Our best wished are with this brave, brave warrior as she makes her recovery and we will be on hand to help in any way we can.”
Rankin, who became the first female fighter to headline a show in Scotland, said after the fight that she plans to unify the division by winning the three remaining belts on offer.
Liverpool’s Natasha Jones has been touted as a potential next opponent for Rankin in a “battle of Britain” clash.
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