Frank Warren Slams Dennis McCann Doping Investigation
A Rising Star Stalled by Controversy
British super-bantamweight contender Dennis McCann has been sidelined since December 2024, following an adverse finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) test ahead of his scheduled bout with Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia. The test reportedly revealed traces of drostanolone and trenbolone, two anabolic steroids, just eight days before the fight.
McCann was pulled from the card, and featherweight prospect Rhys Edwards stepped in as a last-minute replacement. Since then, McCann has maintained his innocence, but the investigation has dragged on with no official resolution from the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) or the WBO, despite the latter requesting an explanation by March 22.
Frank Warren Breaks His Silence
Promoter Frank Warren, who has long touted McCann as a future world champion, finally spoke out during the build-up to Usyk vs. Dubois II, calling the situation “a complete farce.”
“It is being investigated so this is my first proper statement on it: there is no case to answer,” Warren told reporters. “Has he been stitched up? Big time! It’s incompetence all the way through”.
Warren’s frustration stems from the six-month delay in resolving the case, which has effectively stalled McCann’s career during what was supposed to be his breakout year.
A Career in Limbo
McCann (16-0-1, 8 KOs) hasn’t fought since his European title win over Ionut Baluta in July 2024. That victory followed a technical draw in their first meeting and a dominant performance against Brad Strand, positioning McCann for a run at world honors.
Instead, the 24-year-old has been left in limbo, with no updates on his B-sample and no clarity on when he can return to the ring. Despite the cloud hanging over him, McCann appeared ringside last month to support stablemate Fabio Wardley, signaling his continued presence in the sport.
Final Thoughts
The McCann doping saga is more than a regulatory hiccup—it’s a damaging delay for one of Britain’s brightest boxing prospects. With Frank Warren now publicly challenging the legitimacy of the investigation, pressure is mounting on the BBBoC and WBO to deliver answers.
Until then, McCann remains a fighter without a fight—and a career paused by bureaucracy.
For full details on Warren’s statement and the investigation timeline, visit bet365 News and Boxing News Online.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
