BOXING Richardson holds off Lyell in split decision

YOUNGSTOWN -- Nearly 600 fight fans attended Jack Loew's "Thanksgiving Feast" amateur boxing card of nine bouts at St. Luke School Saturday night.
Loew's Southside Boxing Club fighters were in eight bouts and won five of those, with the main event featuring Durrell Richardson and Billy Lyell in a 147-pound four-rounder.
It was a contrast in styles between the southpaw Richardson and the persistently aggressive Lyell. Richardson, using a strong right jab, was successful with his combinations, but Lyell, forcing the issue throughout the fight, worked well inside. Richardson was awarded the victory in a split decision.
Richardson (20-6), from Youngstown's southside, is the national title holder at 147 pounds.
"I couldn't do what I wanted to do, because fighting Billy was awkward for me," he said.
Lyell's record fell to 24-12.
Other bouts
Earlier, a four round decision that went against Poland battler Lou Zamudio from the Southside stable, who lost to Dan Ross from P.C. Torres' Warren Boxing Association. Zamudio took command of the fight early, but Ross, using a two-fisted attack, finished well to get the nod in the night's best fight.
Loew boxers Chris Hazimihalis of Campbell and southsider Charlie Fagan made their amateur debuts with victories. In a 132-pound three-rounder, Hazimihalis stayed on top of Mineral Ridge's Steve Perry from the Downtown Boxing Center throughout to earn a decision. Fagan, with good counterpunching and the use of a right uppercut, came on after a slow start to beat Cole Hutton from the Pittsburgh Southside boxing Club in a 119-pound three-rounder.
Junior Olympic winners at 80 and 95 pounds were Juan Salinas and Boston Walker from the Southside Boxing Club who both were aggressive and good body punchers on their way to three-round decisions.