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Welsh boxer Rhys Edwards has been added to the Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury undercard on short notice.
Peter McGrail will face the Welshman on Saturday, December 21, in Saudi Arabia.
The Tonypandy man has been forced to step in due to the fact Dennis McCann, McGrail’s original opponent, has been removed from the card.
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An adverse finding has been made on McCann’s pre-fight test with the Voluntary Doping Association (Vada). McCann, also known as ‘The Menace’, is undefeated in 17 fights, and his bout against Liverpool’s McGrail was highly-anticipated by boxing fans.
However, stepping up to the plate is Edwards, who has won all 16 of his fights. Turki Alalshikh confirmed that the Welshman would be slotting in for McCann on social media.
In a message posted to social media, Saudi boxing chief Alalshikh said: “It is now confirmed that Peter McGrail will stay on this Saturday’s card to face unbeaten British Contender Rhys Edwards as part of the #Usyk2Fury rematch undercard.”
Edwards’ Scouse opponent has won 10 fights, but one loss on his record.
Ja’Rico O’Quinn knocked him out in December 2023, but he has since bounced back with two wins.
The Welshman will now become part of history, appearing on the undercard as Fury aims for revenge against Usyk, in one of the most highly-anticipated clashes of all time.
Back in May, Usyk won by split-decision to become the first heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. Only three belts are on the line this time, as Usyk vacated the IBF strap in June. Daniel Dubois is currently the holder of that belt, after beating Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgovic.