Bradford boxer Dale Robinson has been given the go-ahead to start his professional boxing career despite having a small cyst on his brain.

The double ABA flyweight champion was finally granted his licence after the British Board of Control stewards studied reports from neurosurgeons.

The 20-year-old, who boxes out of the Parks Gym at Wibsey, will make his professional debut at Barnsley on September 25. No opponent has yet been agreed.

Robinson was forced to wait two months after the abnormality was discovered when he underwent the compulsory brain scans which all boxers must have to get a licence.

"I was really worried when I was first told there was a problem," he admitted. "All I knew was that they had found something on the scan.

"They had apparently turned down boxers with similar conditions in the past, but I was fortunate that they considered very carefully the report of the neurosurgeon who examined my scan and accepted the view that it was safe for me to box."

Robinson, who was today sharpening up with a sparring session against former ABA flyweight champion Levi Patterson, said: "I am thrilled that this is all behind me.

"I cannot wait for my first fight because I haven't had much action this year. In the ABA championships I had byes all the way to the final and then I won that in just 90 seconds."

British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Bobby Vanzie is looking forward to seeing Robinson in the pro ranks.

He said: "I am just thrilled for the lad.

"The procedures which are in place these days are strict. We all have to undergo a brain scan and a full medical every year.

"Boxing does have its dangers so it is only right that the authorities take every precaution to ensure that it is as safe as possible."

Robinson's manager Chris Aston is relieved that all the uncertainty is now out of the way.

He said: "It was a difficult time for everybody while his licence application was being considered.

"But Dale's health and safety came first and if I had felt he was putting himself in any danger I would not have encouraged him to pursue a boxing career.

"The board were very thorough and rightly so. They considered every aspect before making their decision."