Richar Abril-Derry Mathews world title fight on March 6 is off
WBA lightweight champion Richar Abril’s title defence against Britain's Derry Mathews next month is off after the Cuban withdrew with suspected dengue fever.
According to the champion's lawyer Gregory Bloom, the fight will still take place at a later date when Abril is medically cleared and able to resume full training.
"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."
Mathews, who was set to challenge Abril on March 6 at the Echo Arena, will still fight against an as-yet unnamed opponent.
Mathews' promoter Frank Warren said: "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."
Liverpool lightweight Mathews, who is a former British and Commonwealth champion and has won two bouts in a row, was given an unexpected title shot after Abril's original opponent Anthony Crolla suffered serious head and ankle injuries confronting suspected burglars.