Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
Interim champion awaits next test
US-based Cuban Richard Abril has told WBN that he is ready
to take on whoever necessary to win the vacant WBA title after losing out to
Brandon Rios controversially in his last bout two months ago.
The 29 year-old interim champion lost a close split decision
to ‘Bam Bam’ in a contest that many (including me: 117-112) thought he did enough
to win, and Abril is now ready to fight the next contender in line for the belt
in August.
“I want everyone to know that I am training harder than ever
before,” Abril told World Boxing News.
“I feel great. I have been in camp for about two weeks already
and can’t wait to fight for the WBA belt again.
“I don’t know who I will face yet but I do know that the
fight will probably take place in August.”
Abril has suffered three defeats in his 21-fight career, all
to undefeated fighters and all on split decisions. He retained his interim
status after the Rios defeat under the instruction of the WBA, who deemed the result of the bout questionable and felt Abril did enough to take the title.
Yuriorkis Gamboa is the next in line according to the WBA
rankings of May 2012 and whether that fight will be made is debatable as Gamboa, who is also Cuban, was due to fight Rios, before he pulled out and Abril stepped in.