Richard Abril-Derry Matthews Postponed, Abril Out With Virus

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Abrilweightwba1Bad news for Liverpool’s Derry Matthews (36-9, 19KO’s) as his hometown title shot against WBA World lightweight champion Richard Abril (19-3, 8KO’s) has been postponed; the champ has contracted a virus just three weeks before the pair were due to face one and other.

Derry will be gutted, but as reported by Dan Rafael on Espn.com his promoter Frank Warren insists he will not lose the position he fortunately fell into, after Anthony Crolla withdrew due to injuries suffered whilst intervening in a burglary at his neighbour’s house.

“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.”

This was corroborated from Abril’s side by his attorney Gregory Bloom, which will go some way to reassuring Derry that his position is safe, given the tumultuous nature of the fight game.

“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.”

Derry will still fight on that card on March 6th at the Echo Arena with an opponent yet to be decided, but this announcement will surely take the wind out of his sails when he was gearing up for the biggest night of his life. But given that he will likely get his opportunity next time out the only thing he can do is try and implement the things he has been working on in camp in this fight, and keep ticking over until April-time when hopefully he will get his chance.