FERNDOWN fighter Iain Weaver is set to follow in some illustrious footsteps when he makes his long-awaited professional debut at the historic York Hall.

Weaver is poised to make his professional bow in a four-round contest on April 27 at the prestigious Bethnal Green venue, previously home to the likes of Lennox Lewis and Joe Calzaghe.

The former amateur star has had his maiden appearance in the paid ranks held up since the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) rejected his application for a British licence after a brain scan showed a cyst.

Despite the Weaver camp insisting he had received the all-clear from two different neurosurgeons, the BBBofC has not shifted its stance.

Weaver, who was last month granted a Spanish licence, had been poised to make his debut in Barcelona.

But Weaver’s father Jay has today confirmed that his son will finally be able to appear on home soil as the show is being sanctioned by the Luxembourg federation.

Weaver senior told the Daily Echo: “The show is sanctioned by Luxembourg, like the David Haye-Dereck Chisora fight. It is not being run by the British board so Iain is eligible to box on it.”

Signed to Matchroom Sport prior to his licence dispute, Weaver junior will be attempting to catch the eye of promoters as he bids to secure a deal to fight regularly overseas.

“Iain will get the chance to show everybody what he is like as a professional and it will open doors for him,” said dad Jay.

“He is not signed with anyone yet. It will be a good time for him to impress.”

Weaver junior, who will campaign at super featherweight, will continue to live in England and train with Al Smith at the iBox gym in London - even if he is forced to pursue his career abroad.