The build-up to the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 clash faced another hurdle as the event’s undercard lost a major bout.

Dennis McCann’s fight against Peter McGrail was scrapped after McCann failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test, according to an announcement by Turki Alalshikh on Friday.

The fallout is significant. McCann, a 23-year-old unbeaten southpaw with a 16-0-1 record, was poised for a career-defining moment.

A victory over McGrail, a former Olympian and rising star, could have propelled McCann into world title contention.

The cancellation now leaves McGrail’s participation in doubt, with no word yet on whether he will face a replacement opponent.

This setback adds to the challenges facing the Dec. 21 fight card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Just days ago, Israil Madrimov, originally slated to co-headline against Serhii Bohachuk, withdrew due to acute bronchitis.

Bohachuk will instead face Britain’s Ishmael Davis, a last-minute addition who recently lost a close decision to Josh Kelly.

McGrail’s Rocky Road

Peter McGrail, 28, has had a turbulent year. The Liverpool native, with a 10-1 record, was on track for a comeback after a devastating knockout loss to Ja’Rico O’Quinn in December 2023.

That defeat, a highlight-reel finish, was both an upset and a contender for Knockout of the Year. McGrail bounced back with a dominant win over Marc Leach in April and followed it with a body-shot knockout of Brad Foster in September to secure his position as McCann’s mandatory challenger.

The Show Goes On

Despite these challenges, the Usyk vs. Fury 2 card remains packed with intriguing matchups.

Top prospect Moses Itauma will test his mettle against Australia’s Demsey McKean, while Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen promise fireworks in an all-British heavyweight bout.

Isaac Lowe faces Lee McGregor in a featherweight contest, and Ukrainian up-and-comers Andrii Novytskyi and Daniel Lapin are set to showcase their skills.

The main event itself holds historic weight. Usyk, the reigning champion, became the first heavyweight to unify all four belts earlier this year after edging Fury in a split decision.

Their rematch will once again put three heavyweight titles on the line, with Usyk looking to cement his legacy and Fury seeking redemption.

A Fight Night of Twists and Turns

The drama leading up to Dec. 21 mirrors the unpredictability of boxing itself. The Usyk vs. Fury 2 undercard, already shaken by unexpected withdrawals, now faces another blow.

But in a sport defined by resilience, the night still promises the unexpected—a quality that keeps fans coming back for more.

You May Also Like: Joliet Man’s Courthouse Escape Ends in Dramatic Arrest