By Keith Terceira
On Wednesday, Richard “El Tigre” Abril (10-0-1 5KO) missed the most important press conference of his relatively short professional career.. His opponent for this weeks Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 took it as proof that Abril had not been training or was afraid to stand face to face with Breidas Prescott (18-0 17KO) prior to fight night. To say that the Prescott camp was exuding confidence would be an understatement. Comments such as these were hurled around the press conference with no Richard Abril to counter them.
“He is afraid “
“He is going to get knocked out”
“I’m going to make a big splash in America”
“I have been training with Roberto Duran’s old trainer in Panama and there is no way that Abril can know more than I about boxing”
Where was Richard Abril?
Why was he going to miss a press conference for a WBC FECARBOX title fight that puts him in the national spotlight?
The answer in one word is: Airlines.
For the last month or so there has been a hush over the Coalition Boxing Camp. Out is the old trainer and assistants. In is a team of experts that would be the envy of many pro-prospects. The flight from Las Vegas carry the title challenger was delayed which caused him to be MIA at the De Cubas - Arena Box conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida..
Prescott was very confident last night that Abril had not been working out, eating to much, and perhaps on such short notice had no film to review for the fight.
Contrary to that Abril is in the best shape of his life dropping from 140 to 135 , is cut, ripped, and hungry for action after several weeks of extensive training at Mayweather’s private gym .
According to Roger Mayweather .
“Richard Abril reminds me of my nephew”
During the month long session his team had Abril spar with such contenders as Said Ouali. Garcia was impressed with Abril’s work ethic in the gym but was shocked at his sparring.
“Richard works hard in the gym which was pleasant but when he stepped into the ring to spar he just made it all look so easy”
Prescott may have trained with one of Duran’s old trainers but I would be shocked if he knew more than Roger when it comes to the sport of boxing or for that matter two time champion Boza Edwards. This main event is stacking up to be a shocker and one of the slickest maneuverings I have seen in a long while. Roger Mayweather taking on such a young prospect makes me wonder just how skilled Richard Abril may be.
Prescott may have just walked into the tiger’s den with nothing but a pair of gloves and a lot of misconceptions.
Abril weighed in at 134 3/4, Prescott at 134 1/4.
Keith Terceira is a UBC Vice President and Ratings Chairman, he can be reached at KTerceira@aol.com
