text: Derry Mathews will take on Venezuelan knockout artist Ismael Barroso for the interim WBA world title after Richar Abril pulled out of their April 18 date. Abril has been elevated to ‘champion in recess’ with Darleys Perez declared the full champion of the lightweight division. Abril was initially forced to withdraw from his title defence against Mathews in March after coming down with dengue fever from a mosquito bite and he withdrew again this week as he is still reeling from the after-effects of the virus that has left him unable to train. Liverpool's Derry Mathews (left) will go head-to-head with Ismael Barroso for the interim WBA world title . Derry was set to fight Cuban WBA champion Richar Abril but will instead face Barroso on the April 18 date . Mathews expressed his disappointment at losing out on a title shot with Abril, who was twice forced to withdraw through illness . Southpaw Barroso, a frightening puncher from El Tigre, has recorded 16 knockouts from 17 wins in his 19 fights (two draws), with 11 quick wins coming inside the first three rounds. Although Liverpool ace Mathews is disappointed that he won't be facing the champion Abril for the belt, the main consolation for him is that he will still challenge for a version of the world title. And Mathews believes that his higher level of experience: 48 fights over 15 years; 18 championship title fights; 264 career rounds and 20 knockouts from 37 wins, vastly outweighs Barroso’s and will give him the vital edge over the South American hitman. ‘It’s unfortunate that Abril’s pulled out again, but things in life happen for a reason and I’m delighted to still be fighting for a version of the WBA world title and I’m headlining the Echo Arena in front of my home fans,’ he said. In his absence WBA lightweight champion Abril (right) has been elevated to ‘champion in recess’ ‘I’ve seen some footage of him, he’s strong, with big right hands and left hooks and and can take you clean out, but I’m not going to be in a position to let him do that to me. ‘Barroso’s a very dangerous fighter and a massive, massive, puncher. Just look at his record, he’s banging people out left, right and centre and it makes frightening reading, but when I saw it I said straight away I’ll have this guy because I know that I can beat him. ‘I’ve been in this sport for over ten years; I’ve had more knockouts than he’s had fights; twice as many fights as him, and three times as many championship fights, in terms of experience he’s not on my level and I can use all of my experience to my advantage. ‘Even with the change of opponent at this stage, plus the change from Abril’s orthodox style to Barrosa’s southpaw style, we still have some time to study him and my trainer Danny Vaughn is confident we can come up with the plan to beat him. I’ll beat anyone at the moment with the way I’m feeling. ‘I’m in with a massive puncher, but I can punch a bit myself so the crowd will be in for an exciting fight and I can see me flattening him. If the opportunity comes to take him out early I’ll take it, but I know I’ve got to be smart in there.’
target: Derry Mathews will fight Ismael Barroso for the interim WBA world title .
  Mathews was set to face Richar Abril, who was forced to withdraw through illness .
  The Liverpudlian will now face Venezuelan southpaw Barroso on April 18 .