With just a week left for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk‘s ‘Reignited’, a controversy seems to have found its way through and struck the event. News reports reveal that, following his failure to clear VADA drug tests, boxer Dennis McCann has been removed from the undercard roster.

It will be some time before full details emerge. The news has nevertheless shocked the boxing world. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh subsequently shared how, based on the findings, the team took requisite measures. McCann, a European super bantamweight champion, had an all-British clash scheduled against Peter McGrail.

HE Turki Alalshikh unveils a major development

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has today informed all relevant parties that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted in advance of his upcoming bout,” read HE Turki Alalshikh’s post on X.

While an investigation will follow, he further revealed that the 23-year-old Londoner’s fight against fellow Liverpudlian Peter McGrail has been canceled. The Riyadh Season head wasn’t in a position to share the full details, it seems.

On July 27, Dennis McCann defeated Ionut Baluta by a unanimous decision and secured the European super bantamweight championship. A win over McGrail would have improved his ranking in the division ruled by the undisputed champion, Naoya Inoue.

For most fans, however, the decision was justified. Let’s check what a few of them had to say.

Timely intervention—critical for the situation

This user lauded HE Alalshikh. But the appreciation came alongside a poser. “At least you are not doing an Eddie Hearn and trying to make the fight happen anyway like his mate Connor 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻🏻. Will the fight be replaced on the card?” They said. Picking the Matchroom boss for throwing shade, they invariably brought up the Conor Benn controversy. Since October 2022, legend Nigel Benn’s son had been at the center of a banned substance controversy.

For the next one, the decision was a step in the right direction. They said, “The only decision that can be made. Lead by example like you’d done with the rest of the sport so far. 👍🏻.” Like many, they believe the Riyadh Season head has been walking the talk, delivering on promises aimed at elevating boxing’s status in the pantheon of sports.

For the next follower, it was disappointment written all over. They said, “Ah no, this is terrible; probably the best fight on the card, in my opinion. Outside of Fury vs. Usyk, it was very disappointing. I was extremely looking forward to this fight, and I am also not sure what it means for McCann going forward.” From them, the Dennis McCann-Peter McGrail duel was the major draw aside from the showstopping headliner. How the controversy bodes for the young Londoner remains a major concern.

The next fan taunted, “Tell him to call @ConorNigel to get advice on how to avoid giving any explanation to the boxing authorities.” While the drug test issue gained traction, the boxing world witnessed a few details emerge from Conor Benn’s end, including the now infamous and much trolled ‘eggs-planation’.

One fan empathized with Peter McGrail. “Hope McGrail is still on the card and in a decent fight,” they said. Given McCann’s exit, Peter McGrail may no longer enjoy participating in the mega-card.

Nevertheless, many fans will be wondering how one’s actions have a cascading effect on another’s prospects.

It’s regrettable that an exciting bout is out of the fray. Fans nevertheless need not lose heart. Apart from the Fury-Usyk clash, they will get to see some highly entertaining exchanges. After the loss to Vergil Ortiz Jr., Serhii Bohachuk will be back for a face-off against Ishmael Davis. Then upcoming talent Moses Ituma has a heavyweight showdown against Demsey McKean.

What is your take on the decision taken for Dennis McCann and the undercard fight?