Brandon Rios Wins Split Decision vs. Richard Abril

Brandon Rios (30-0-1, 22 KO) defeated Richard Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO) by split decision with scores of 117-111 in favor of Abril and 116-112 and 115-113 in favor of Rios.

Rios kept the aggression throughout the fight, but Abril landed the cleaner shots and kept his distance with a stiff jab.

Rios missed wildly at times and appeared to run out of ideas very quickly against Abril's good defense.

The "stalk 'til they drop" style of fighting Rios employs nearly cost him the victory at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Now, Rios can anticipate a July 14 return at the Cowboys Stadium.

The opponent is expected to be Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO). Judging by the look of Rios against Abril, he'll need a lot of work between now and then to compete with Marquez.

This fight also likely marks the last time Rios will attempt to fight at the 135-lb limit. He failed to make weight for the second fight in a row, coming in two pounds over the limit for this fight.

The battle between Marquez and Rios is likely to be at the 140-lb limit due to Marquez's most recent fight being for the WBO interim junior welterweight title.