Lyell clobbers substitute in two-round session

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Professional boxer Billy Lyell of Niles made short work of late substitute and journeyman Chris Overbey of Dayton Friday night at the Appalachian Power Park in a pro-amateur fight card.

From the onset, Lyell, an IBF and WBC middleweight contender, pressed the action, later dropping Overbey with a left hook at the end of the first round.

Following another knockdown by Lyell midway through the second round, referee Steve Allred called a halt to the bout at 1:59 of round two to give Lyell his 20th win (20-7-4 KOs).

Overbey fell to 9-12.

Lyell, a Youngstown State graduate managed by Pat Nelson and trained by Jack Loew, is ranked No. 13 by the IBF and No. 19 by the WBC.

Nelson said that he didn’t expect Lyell to win so quickly over a veteran fighter like Overbey, who has been around.

“Overbey had been much more durable with several world class fighters,” said Nelson, pointing out that “Ovebey had 20-plus fights and a lot of experience.”

Nelson said Lyell continues to develop and advance.

“Obviously, Lyell, 25 years old, is developing power, and we are looking for his next fight to be on the world class level,” said Nelson.

It marked Lyell’s fourth win in his last five fights, including a recent capsizing of previously-unbeaten contender John Duddy (26-1).

In other pro action, welterweight prospect Joey Myers (13-1-1) won a six-round unanimous decision over durable veteran Dezi Ford (24-26) of Alliance. Scores were 60-54 on two cards and 60-53.

Jason Pettaway (3-0) won a six-round majority decision over Julius Jackson (3-4). Scores were 60-54 and 58-56 for Pettaway and 57-57.