LOCHGELLY boxer Emma McCulloch is celebrating another milestone in her ring career after being ranked number one in the Commonwealth.

The 28-year-old, who became Fife's first female professional fighter when she stepped up from the amateur ranks last year, is top of the standings in both Britain and the Commonwealth in the female minimum weight category.

In addition, the Glenrothes Boxing Club star is listed as the fourth best across Europe for competitors weighing no more than 48kg after claiming a maiden Celtic title in January.

Emma, who is a four-time Boxing Scotland Elite Championship winner during her stint as an amateur, had been due to take on Dani Hodges for the Celtic light flyweight belt at Glenrothes' Gilvenbank Hotel.

That was to be a rematch of a previous meeting between the pair in July, which Hodges won narrowly, in a bout sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control.

But, after a shock announcement from Hodges that she had decided to retire less than a week prior, Slovakian national champion, Claudia Ferenczi, stepped in.

After receiving confirmation that the Celtic belt was still up for grabs, Emma went on to win 60-53, setting up her up for what she hoped would be a shot at a British and Commonwealth title this year.

Even though that has been put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic, that remains the goal for Emma and her coach, Stevie McGuire, and she admitted to being chuffed with her ranking achievement.

"My dad messaged me last week, or the week before, with a picture of it, and I went on and had a look," she explained.

"I am pleased, and sometimes I forget what I've achieved. It was only in 2015 that I had my first fight; I went along to the club for some fitness, and Stevie asked 'do you want to box?'.

"I thought, why not, I'll give it a bash, and didn't really think I'd get that far. When I look back at some of the places I've been, and some of the things I've done, it's pretty amazing.

"If I was to walk away from boxing tomorrow, I would have no regrets. When I turned professional, if anything I wanted a boxing title, and I've done that.

"I just want to continue to see how far I can go."

While the future still remains uncertain, Emma has been keeping up her fitness at home, but admits she misses the routine of training in the boxing gym.

However, when it is safe to get back into regular training, she still has her eye on having a shot at a British and Commonwealth belt, even if she has to wait until next year.

"After my fight at the end of January, I did have discussions with Stevie about our next steps," said Emma.

"I thought that I may have get another fight under my belt before a title shot, but this (coronavirus) has postponed everything.

"Maybe next year we'll be able to do that, but we'll just have to play it by ear.

"In the run-up to my last fight, I was as fit as I've ever been, was in the best shape I've been, and continued to train after that to try and keep it up.

"Everybody is in the same boat, though, which the saving grace."

Emma's dad, Allan, who also coaches at Glenrothes, added: "The reason she's number one, I believe, is because in her last fight she won the women's Celtic light flyweight, so holds a title, and of the three girls she's fought (as a professional), they're all champions of their country.

"That's not bad for a wee scrapper from Lochgelly!

"The British title is vacant, and that's why Stevie is hoping that the British Boxing Board of Control will sanction a British and Commonwealth fight together.

"It's a good boost for Emma and a good starting point."