By Ryan Burton
In an earlier story written by BoxingScene's Rick Reeno, WBA interm-lightweight champion Richard Abril claimed that Brandon Rios talked too much trash and that he was only "50% Mexican." Abril made those comments at today's Las Vegas press conference for their April 14th pay-per-view fight that takes place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
"Rios is only 50% Mexican," Abril boldly announced to the press.
Rios, to his credit, took the high road when it was his turn to speak. He said that he would be civil at this press conference and that if Abril indeed was going to shut his mouth that he would have to stand in the ring and fight rather than run.
"I am going to be calm at this press conference. If he wants to shut my mouth then he needs to stand and fight me and not run around," said Rios.
I caught up with Abril after the press conference and asked him to clarify why he said that Rios is "only 50% Mexican".
"He was born here. He is Chicano," the Cuban stated.
Abril further clarified his statement by saying that not only is Rios only half Mexican but that he feels that he is more Mexican than his Mexican-American opponent.
"I am more Mexican than him. I like to ride horses and listen to Rancheras (Mexican music)," said a smiling Abril to BoxingScene.com.
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