Frank Warren brands Dennis McCann doping case 'a complete farce'

Frank Warren has lambasted Dennis McCann's ongoing anti-doping investigation, claiming the British super-bantamweight star has no case to answer.

The 24-year-old has been absent from the ring since recording an adverse finding in a routine pre-fight VADA test ahead of his scheduled showdown with Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia last December.

McCann was reported to have tested positive for two anabolic-androgenic steroids - drostanole and trenbolone - just eight days out from his scheduled bout, with the general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control Robert Smith since confirming those details to be true.

Six months have now elapsed since the investigation started with no further update being delivered on the case.

McCann, who had been tipped by Warren as a future world champion, was expected to enjoy a real breakthrough 2025, but his career has now stalled somewhat, with the Queensberry supremo growing increasingly frustrated by the saga.

"It is being investigated so this is my first proper statement on it: there is no case to answer," Warren emphatically told the media as part of the build-up towards Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2.

This is a complete farce what is going on. We're here today to talk about the heavyweights but you can quote me on that - it's a farce!

- Frank Warren (Queensberry Promoter)

"Has he been stitched up? Big time! It's incompetence all the way through."

McCann has continuously denied any wrongdoing and even appeared ringside in Ipswich last month as stablematch Fabio Wardley maintained his world title charge with a stunning late stoppage victory over Australian Justis Huni.

The current European super-bantamweight title-holder hasn't fought since capturing the belt from Ionut Baluta in an enthralling clash at London's O2 Arena in July, 2024.

He reigned supreme over the Romanian at the second time of asking having been held to a Technical Draw in their first meeting 11 months earlier, before teeing up the sequel with a comfortable win over Brad Strand.

Having previously held British and Commonwealth honours prior to his European crowning glory, the Londoner had been keen to cement himself on the world scene this year.

However, given the ongoing uncertainty regarding his anti-doping investigation, it remains to be seen when he will be eligible to step back inside the ring and re-ignite his quest for a world title.

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
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