DEFIANT boxing prospect Iain Weaver insists he is fit to fight as he anxiously awaits a verdict on his painstaking bid for a licence.

Weaver admitted he thought his professional career in England could have been over before it had even started when his initial application to ply his trade here was not granted.

Jay Weaver, Iain’s father, confirmed that the Ferndown fighter had been “knocked back” by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) when a brain scan showed a “small cyst”.

However, the Weavers are confident the 22-year-old will now be given the green light after reporting that a leading specialist had given him the all-clear following further examination.

The board’s chiefs are expected to review the fresh medical reports at their monthly meeting on Wednesday.

And Weaver junior, who enjoyed a glittering amateur career before moving into the paid ranks, wants to return to the ring for his delayed pro debut next month.

Discussing his situation in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, he said: “I have boxed with it for years so it is not a problem. I just want the board to hurry up and make up their minds and I hope I can get on the December 8 bill.

“I had a month or two off after I found out what was going on. My mind was all over the place. But in the past couple of weeks, I have been in and out of the gym, doing my running and my weight is not too bad, so I will be all right for December 8 if they give me the all-clear and give me my licence.

“When I first found out, it was a big worry because I did think that once they said no, that was it and I didn’t think I would be able to fight in England.

“But once you dig into it a little bit deeper, you know I am not the only one and there are a lot of boys out there who have got it and a lot of boys that have been fighting with it.

“If it was a danger for me boxing, my family wouldn’t have wanted me to fight. But I have seen the best specialist there is in England and he has said there is not a problem at all with me fighting.”

Determined Weaver added: “I still want to be a world champion.”

Jay Weaver claimed the cyst was common and other boxers had been granted licences in similar circumstances.

Weaver’s promoter Eddie Hearn, of Matchroom Boxing, said: “On initial review, the board’s doctors found an irregularity with Iain’s scan. Iain has now been re-scanned and has consulted an additional specialist who is happy with the results. A further specialist was then consulted and, again, he was happy.

“Safety is paramount in boxing and providing the board and their doctors are happy with the reports, I expect Iain’s licence request to be processed with immediate effect.”

The BBBofC yesterday said they had yet to receive further documentation from Weaver.