The 29 year-old interim champion lost a close split decision to ‘Bam Bam’ in a contest that many (including me: 117-112) thought he did enough to win, and Abril is now ready to fight the next contender in line for the belt in August.
“I want everyone to know that I am training harder than ever before,” Abril told World Boxing News.
“I feel great. I have been in camp for about two weeks already and can’t wait to fight for the WBA belt again.
“I don’t know who I will face yet but I do know that the fight will probably take place in August.”
Abril has suffered three defeats in his 21-fight career, all to undefeated fighters and all on split decisions. He retained his interim status after the Rios defeat under the instruction of the WBA, who deemed the result of the bout questionable and felt Abril did enough to take the title.
Yuriorkis Gamboa is the next in line according to the WBA rankings of May 2012 and whether that fight will be made is debatable as Gamboa, who is also Cuban, was due to fight Rios, before he pulled out and Abril stepped in.
