MATHEWS WORLD TITLE SHOT ON HOLD AS ABRIL HIT BY VIRAL INFECTION

Derry Mathews’ WBA World Lightweight title opportunity on Friday 6th March at the Liverpool Echo Arena has been put on hold after the Champion Richar Abril has been forced to withdraw due to a viral infection.

The show will still go ahead with Paul Butler’s IBF World Super-Flyweight title challenge against Zolani Tete headlining an action-packed card that includes Merseyside stars Kevin Satchell, Liam Smith and Jazza Dickens, plus Lancashire hot shot Jack Catterall all in big title action, and local favourites Tom Stalker and Stephen Lewis also on the card.

Abril has been suffering from a viral infection, possibly Dengue Fever which is being diagnosed now, that has left him unable to train and has received medical advice not to fight.

The Cuban’s lawyer, Gregory Bloom, has asked for a postponement for the fight while Abril recovers and is able to resume full training again.  Bloom adds that they are committed to giving Mathews his world shot and promoter Frank Warren is looking at rescheduling the fight at the earliest opportunity.

Bloom said, “We definitely want to have Abril defend his title against Derry Mathews and it is our hope that we can reschedule the fight for early April or as close to that time frame as possible,”

Warren added, “It’s very unfortunate that this has happened and Derry will have to wait just a little longer to get his world title opportunity.  We hope that Richar recovers from his viral infection quickly and is able to get back into training to defend his title against Derry as soon as possible, which we are all really looking forward to.  Despite Richar’s withdrawal, it’s a fantastic show with Paul aiming to be the first British fighter in nearly a hundred years to win a second world title in a lighter weight division.  He’s backed up on the shows with a lot of tremendous talent from Merseyside in big title fights like Kevin Satchell, Liam Smith and Jazza Dickens, there’s also the return of Tom Stalker plus unbeaten prospect Stephen Lewis, and there’s an exciting, fast-rising, talent in Jack Catteral from Chorley who defends his WBO European Light-Welterweight title.”