By Ryan Burton

Richard Abril (18-3-1) successfully defended his WBA lightweight title by defeating Sharif Bogere (23-1) via unanimous decision.  The scores were 115-111 and 116-110 twice.

It was a rough and tumble fight from the beginning. Both fighter tumbled to the floor in the 1st round and again in the 2nd round as the fight resembled an MMA fight more than a boxing match.

Abril started to time Bogere's bull rushes in the 3rd round. Bogere repeatedly charged in to make up for his height and reach disadvantage and more often than not Abril made him pay with a power shot. Abril enjoyed a big 4th round as most of Bogere's punches failed to connect.

Bogere had his best round of the fight in the seventh as he landed several solid shots.  An accidental clash of heads opened up a cut above Abril's right eye in the 7th round. He had already slightly cut it in the 4th round in the fight but Abril had a point deducted for holding in the 8th round after receiving repeated warnings from referee Russell Mora.

Abril however steadied the ship and won the round and continued to cruise. Abril had a big 10th round as he continuously beat Bogere to the punch.

Abril seemed to slow down in the final two rounds seemingly knowing that he was comfortably ahead on the scorecards. Bogere was clearly frustrated and after the fight said that he thought he had won a close decision.