by Rick Reeno

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas - Lightweight contender Richard Abril (17-3-1, 8KOs) was livid after losing a close twelve round split decision to Brandon Rios (30-0-1, 22KOs). The scores were 117-111 Abril, 115-112 and 115-113 for Rios.

Abril believes that he clearly won the fight by at least four to five rounds. He was shocked when the judges gave the fight to Rios. Because Rios failed to make weight on Friday, he was unable to capture the WBA's lightweight title, which still remains vacant.

"We executed our gameplan. We used our height and our reach because we knew that we had the advantage in those categories. The decision, what can I say, it was an obvious disgrace. I won this fight by at least four or five rounds...at least four to five rounds," Arbil said.