British lightweight Derry Mathews has had his world title challenge put on hold after WBA champion Richar Abril was struck down with a viral infection.

Abril had been scheduled to face Mathews in Liverpool on March 6, but with the Cuban suspected to be suffering from dengue fever, a new date will have to be found in the spring.

However, it has been announced that Mathews will still be on the undercard at the Echo Arena as Paul Butler attempts to win the IBF super-flyweight title.

Mathews tweeted: "Life goes on. I'll be still involved in a great fight, I don't do things easy so am expecting a busy night."

Abril had been due to face Anthony Crolla on January 23 before the Mancunian was left with a fractured skull and broken ankle after being attacked when giving chase to two burglars.