The former football star was forced to drop out of training and competition until he was checked out by a specialist. Three weeks, he underwent an MRI scan and the news couldn’t have been better.

“I could have kissed the doc when he told me I had the all-clear,” said 30-year old Young. “I really felt that I wouldn’t be able to train again, never mind compete. And sport has been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember. That would have been too hard to take. But it appears it was a muscle problem that I was exasperating during exercises. I know now how to deal with it and I’m back, back, back!”

Young has just returned from a fortnight in the sun with girlfriend Debbie to celebrate the great news – before he gets back into full training.

“I’m delighted for the lad,” said his coach Billy Murray, boss of the ProKick Gym.

“He’s totally devoted to the sport and trains as hard as anyone. We’ll get Ian fighting fit then set up a couple of tough tests ahead of December 1 when he’ll hopeful challenge for a world title at the Waterfront Hall as part of the Seven Wonders promotion.” Murray added, “Ian resumed light training in the last couple of days and so far so good.”

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