Derry Mathews (36-9-2, 7 KOs) will challenge WBA lightweight champion Richar Abril (19-3-1, 8 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on March 6.
Cuban Abril will make his third title defence when he faces Liverpool fighter Mathews, who replaces the injured Anthony Crolla.
Crolla, 28, was forced out of a January meeting with Abril when he fractured his skull and broke an ankle when attacked while apprehending burglars at his neighbour’s home.
It will be a first world title shot for Mathews,…