Derry Mathews to challenge WBA champion Abril on March 6
Derry Mathews (36-9-2, 7 KOs) will challenge WBA lightweight champion Richar Abril (19-3-1, 8 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on March 6.
Cuban Abril will make his third title defence when he faces Liverpool fighter Mathews, who replaces the injured Anthony Crolla.
Crolla, 28, was forced out of a January meeting with Abril when he fractured his skull and broke an ankle when attacked while apprehending burglars at his neighbour's home.
It will be a first world title shot for Mathews, who stopped Crolla in April 2012 before the pair drew in the rematch in March 2013.
Mathews, 31, is a former British and Commonwealth champion and has won his last two bouts but Abril represents a big step up.
"It's a dream come true for me to finally fight for the world title, but to have the opportunity to do it in my home city is unbelievable, and I thank (promoter) Frank Warren, who promised he'd get me a crack at the world title when I rejoined him, for delivering me my chance," said Mathews. "Whereas other fighters from the city have had to go overseas for their chances, Frank has got me mine on my own doorstep and now it's down to me to deliver the goods on my side and win the title.
"I'm not underestimating Abril one bit. He's the world champion, but I'm confident in my own abilities and I believe that I have the tools to end Abril's reign and take the world title from him. He's not a huge puncher, and I believe that it's my time to take over."
Mathews has promised to make the first defence against Crolla, if he can dethrone Abril, in a trilogy with his old domestic rival.
"I really felt for Anthony," said Mathews. "Yes, we're sporting rivals, but that was terrible what happened and I was truly gutted for him. I hope that he gets medically cleared and fit to box so that he can resume his career because he's a tremendous fighter and person. He missed out on his shot at Abril because of what happened, but should I come through against Abril and win, then I will give him a shot at the world title. A third fight between us is a natural and would be a fantastic battle of Britain."
The 32 year-old Abril fought just once in both 2013, when he defeated Sharif Bogere by unanimous decision, and last year when he won a majority decision against Edis Tatli.
"I'm looking forward to defending my title against Derry Mathews," said Abril. "He is a tough, experienced fighter, but I plan on coming to the UK, getting the KO and leaving with my belt."
Also on the card, Britain's Paul Butler (17-0, 8 KOs) will attempt to win his second world title when he takes on IBF super flyweight champion Zolani Tete (19-3, 16 KOs) of South Africa.
Butler, 26, previously moved up to bantamweight to take on then IBF champion Stuart Hall, winning by split decision in June 2014.