By Jake Donovan

For the second time in as many attempts, a schedule fight between Richar Abril and Derry Mathews has fallen through, both instances coming within two weeks of fight night.

Barely six weeks after withdrawing from a March 6 date after falling ill, Abril has reportedly pulled out of their rescheduled April 18 clash at Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

No reason has yet been given for the fallout. Abril’s team has refused comment, insisting that the issue will be fully addressed in the next week or so. 

The news hardly sat right with Mathews and his team. As was the case the last time the fight fell off the schedule, Mathews will remain active, once again versus an opponent to be determined. 

“Just to let people [know, I] am still fighting for the WBA world title on Abril 18th,” Mathews (37-9-2, 20KOs) declared through his verified social media account, although the WBA has yet to confirm such a scenario. “[I am] gutted Abril [h]as pulled out but got to stay focused on job.

“[I] am in this sport to fight the best but in my eyes Abril doesn't fancy this fight. [I] have spent 12 weeks away from my wife, family and home. [H]e could [have] been a man and told me weeks ago, but I have the best manager and team [a]round me who will get the best for me.”

Abril (19-3-1, 8KOs) was due to make just the second defense of the lightweight belt he won more than two years ago in a 12-round decision over Sharif Bogere. Their March ’13 bout was hardly in the running for Fight of the Year, an unfortunate scenario surrounding most of Abril’s fights to date.

The 32-year old ended an 18-month hiatus last September, though perhaps allowing ring rust and jet lag to get the best of him as he struggled to a majority decision over unbeaten but unheralded Edis Tatli on the road in Helsinki, Finland. 

Stateside networks have expressed little interest in showcasing Abril, hence the Florida-based Cuban being forced to assume the role of road warrior.

For reasons not yet known, it’s a role he chose not to play on this occasion. Whether or not legal ramifications will come of the withdrawal remain to be seen. In the meantime, Mathews will remain on the April 18 bill, and his team insisting that it will be for a title. 

“We have been made aware of Abril’s withdrawal and are in discussions with the World Boxing Association and representatives of Richar Abril as to the current position of the world title as this is the second time he has withdrawn from this fight with less than two weeks before fight night,” promoter Frank Warren said in a statement released through his press agent. “We expect to hear from the WBA shortly and will make an announcement through this office.  

“However, we fully expect Mathews to contest a version of the WBA World Championship on Saturday, 18th April.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox