Abril: I'll Be Healed By June, Ready For Adrien Broner

By Ryan Burton

Richard Abril (18-3-1, 8KOs) successfully defended his WBA lightweight belt Saturday night against Sharif Bogere in a fight that resembled a MMA fight more than a boxing match. Abril said that he adjusted to Bogere's style early on in the fight and he blamed the African for the dirty tactics that were prevalent throughout the fight.

"I felt him out in the first round and I studied him to see what he was going to do but with the way the referee called the fight it ended up going the way that it went," Abril explained.

Last year Abril lost a controversial split decision to Brandon Rios in Las Vegas. He admitted to being a little bit nervous when the final scorecards were read. He said that he felt he was in control of the fight but was worried that the referee might disqualify him. 

"Yes I definitely was a little bit nervous. I knew that I was dominating the fight but with the way the referee was calling the fight I was worried he might disqualify me," Abril told BoxingScene.com.

After Abril was declared the winner, the Cuban immediately called out WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner who was ringside for the fight. As previously reported by Boxingscene's Rick Reeno, Broner is scheduled to return on June 15th at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Abril suffered a deep gash over his eye that was caused by headbutt in the 8th round of the fight. I asked his trainer Osmiri Fernandez if he felt that his fighter would be ready to return to the ring in time for a. Fight against Broner.

"Absolutely. The doctor said after 20 days he will be ready to resume training. We have plenty of time."

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