Former WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison has been granted a boxing licence, paving the way for a return to the ring after six years without a fight.

The Bellshill-born boxer was stripped of his licence in 2006 after failing to make the weight for a fight with Nicky Cook.

“We’re delighted,” Scott’s father and trainer Peter Harrison said. “Boxing is such a big part of Scott’s life.

“It won’t be a problem physically or mentally getting back in the ring.

“Every knows Scott is a talented fighter. He’s the real deal.”

Well-documented personal problems have dogged Harrison in recent years but he says he has conquered his demons and is ready for a return.

The fighter has been looking to regain his licence since 2008, when he announced his intention to fight Alex Arthur, but had his application declined.

After a meeting of the British Boxing Board of Control on Wednesday, Harrison has now been given the all-clear to resume his career, though the boxer’s father said he won’t be rushing to schedule a bout immediately.

“We haven’t spoken about a timescale for a potential fight yet,” Peter Harrison said. “We’re just so happy he got his licence.

“My understanding is that it is a normal license with no conditions.”