Junior featherweight Dennis McCann is still forbidden from competing in the ring, according to Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control.
Smith was asked about McCann, 16-0-1 (8 KOs), by WBO President Gustavo Olivieri on Thursday during the sanctioning body’s annual convention.
“I cannot tell you the reasons why. You’re a lawyer; you understand,” Smith said to Olivieri. “He is suspended. He cannot be considered for anything.”
While Smith isn’t saying why, one can read between the lines – or, you know, read the headlines.
McCann last fought in July 2024, outpointing the 16-4-1 Ionut Baluta. He was supposed to return last December against Peter McGrail, but that fight was called off after McCann allegedly tested positive for a banned substance.
The WBO issued a show-cause notice to McCann in January. McCann has remained in the WBO’s rankings throughout 2025, though he’s slid from being ranked third in January – where he remained until this August – before moving to 12th and then to his current position in the 15th slot.
David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2. David’s book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.
