Dennis McCann versus Peter McGrail ordered (again)

After receiving notice that he must defend his European junior featherweight title against Peter McGrail, British champion Dennis McCann has now also been ordered to defend his Lonsdale Belt against the 2020 Olympian.

The 23-year-old McCann (16-0-1, 8 KOs) won the title in March by outpointing Brad Strand and then put in a career-best performance to beat Ionut Baluta in their rematch in July.

McGrail (9-1, 5 KOs) rebounded from a shock knockout loss to Ja’Rico Quinn last December by easily beating former British bantamweight titleholder Marc Leach in April. McGrail will fight Brad Foster on Sept. 28 and, if successful, will turn his attention towards a major fight with McCann.

Brad Pauls (19-1-1, 11 KOs) accomplished a lifelong dream by relieving Nathan Heaney of his British middleweight title in July. “The Newquay Bomb” has been ordered to make the first defense of his title against Kieron Conway (21-3-1, 6 KOs). 

After battling to a thrilling draw with Heaney in March, Pauls looked better than ever when stopping him in the final round of their rematch.

Conway, however, is currently involved in the $1 million Prizefighter tournament, and after stopping China’s Ainiwaer Yilixiati in Japan in July, he is waiting for a date for an exciting-looking semifinal clash with the all-action Aaron McKenna. Given the potential prize money on offer, returning to Japan may well take priority over a shot at Pauls.

Commonwealth junior middleweight titleholder Sam Gilley (17-1, 8 KOs), who recently announced that he had signed a promotional deal with Queensberry, will take on old rival Louis Greene (17-4, 11 KOs) for the vacant British title at 154 pounds. The two went to war last October, and although Gilley hasn’t been able to capitalize on the exciting win, he will be looking to make up for lost time when he and Greene renew hostilities on Oct. 18.

On Thursday, it was announced that junior bantamweight titleholder Marcel Braithwaite (17-4-1, 2 KOs) will fight Ryan Farrag on Nov. 16 for a minor IBO title. Where that leaves his mandated title defense against Liverpool rival Brandon Daord (10-0, 3 KOs) will need to be discussed at next month’s meeting.

The latest British Boxing Board of Control circulars in full (BBBoC commentary in italics):

HEAVYWEIGHT

Fabio Wardley (holder) vs. Frazer Clarke

The above contest to be promoted by Frank Warren, will take place on Saturday, 12th October 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

CRUISERWEIGHT

Cheavon Clarke (holder)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Joshua Buatsi (holder)

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT

Callum Simpson (holder)

MIDDLEWEIGHT

Brad Pauls (holder) vs. Kieron Conway

The Stewards decided to put out the above contest to Purse bids to be submitted in accordance with the Terms and Conditions to the Board’s Head Office by 12:00noon on Wednesday, 9th October 2024, the contest to take place by the end of February 2025.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT (vacant)

Sam Gilley vs. Louis Greene

Following agreement being reached between the parties, the above contest to be promoted by Lee Eaton will take place on a date and at a venue to be advised.

WELTERWEIGHT

Harry Scarff (holder) vs. Liam Taylor

The above contest to be promoted by Nisse Sauerland, will take place on a date and at a venue to be advised.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT (vacant)

Henry Turner vs. Jack Rafferty

The above contest to be promoted by Frank Warren, will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024 in Liverpool.

Ben Marskby vs. Khaleel Majid

The Stewards to approve a request from Promoter Nisse Sauerland for the above eliminator contest, which will take place on a date and at a venue to be advised.

LIGHTWEIGHT

Sam Noakes (holder)

Regan Glackin vs. Kyle Boyd

Following injury to Kyle Boyd, a new date and venue is awaited from Promoter Sam Kynoch for the above final eliminator contest.

This Contest is also for the Celtic Lightweight Championship.

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT

Reece Bellotti (holder) vs. Michael Gomez Jr.

Following agreement being reached between the parties, the above contest to be promoted by Eddie Hearn will take place on Saturday, 26th October 2024 in Manchester.

FEATHERWEIGHT

Nathaniel Collins (holder)

JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT

Dennis McCann (holder) vs. Peter McGrail

The Stewards decided to put out the above mandatory defence contest to Purse bids to be submitted in accordance with the Terms and Conditions to the Board’s Head Office by 12:00noon on Wednesday, 9th October 2024, the contest to take place by the end of February 2025.

BANTAMWEIGHT

Andrew Cain (holder)

JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT

Marcel Braithwaite (holder) vs. Brandon Daord

The above contest to be promoted by Lee Eaton, will take place on a date and at a venue to be advised.

FLYWEIGHT

Jay Harris (holder) vs. Conner Kelsall

The above contest to be promoted by Frank Warren, on a date and at a venue to be advised.

This contest is also for the European and Commonwealth Flyweight Championships.

John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79