Dennis McCann versus Peter McGrail ordered (again)

After being notified of his upcoming defense of the European junior featherweight title against Peter McGrail, British champion Dennis McCann has also been instructed to defend his Lonsdale Belt against the 2020 Olympian.

McCann, 23 years old and with a record of 16-0-1, 8 KOs, secured the title in March by defeating Brad Strand and followed it up with a career-best performance against Ionut Baluta in July.

McGrail, with a record of 9-1, 5 KOs, bounced back from a knockout loss to Ja’Rico Quinn by convincingly defeating Marc Leach, former British bantamweight titleholder, in April. McGrail is set to face Brad Foster on Sept. 28, and if successful, will pursue a significant bout with McCann.

Brad Pauls, with a record of 19-1-1, 11 KOs, achieved a lifelong goal by winning the British middleweight title from Nathan Heaney in July. He has been directed to defend his title against Kieron Conway, who has a record of 21-3-1, 6 KOs.

Pauls drew with Heaney in March and then secured a victory over him in their rematch.

Conway is currently participating in the $1 million Prizefighter tournament. After defeating Ainiwaer Yilixiati in Japan in July, he is awaiting a date for a semifinal clash with Aaron McKenna. Given the potential prize money, Conway’s focus may stay on the tournament rather than a bout with Pauls.

Sam Gilley, Commonwealth junior middleweight titleholder with a record of 17-1, 8 KOs, recently signed a promotional deal with Queensberry. He will face old rival Louis Greene, with a record of 17-4, 11 KOs, for the vacant British title at 154 pounds. Gilley and Greene engaged in a fierce battle last October, and the upcoming rematch on Oct. 18 will provide an opportunity for Gilley to make up for lost opportunities.

Marcel Braithwaite, junior bantamweight titleholder with a record of 17-4-1, 2 KOs, is scheduled to fight Ryan Farrag for a minor IBO title on Nov. 16. Discussion will be needed regarding Braithwaite’s mandated title defense against Brandon Daord.

The latest British Boxing Board of Control circulars are as follows (BBBoC commentary in italics):

HEAVYWEIGHT

Fabio Wardley (holder) vs. Frazer Clarke

The above event, promoted by Frank Warren, is set to take place on Saturday, 12th October 2024, in Saudi Arabia.

John Evans, a prolific contributor to numerous publications and websites for the past decade. Follow John on Twitter @John_Evans79