Lyell returns to box July 31

By Joe Scalzo

The Niles boxer will fight in Charleston, W. Va,, against an opponent to be named.

NILES — Middleweight contender Billy Lyell will make his first ring appearance since upsetting John Duddy in April as the headliner of an eight-fight outdoor card on July 31 at the Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, W.Va.

Lyell (19-7) handed Duddy (26-1) his first loss with a split-decision victory on April 24. Afterward, the previously-unranked Lyell shot up to No. 12 in the IBF ranks and No. 19 in the WBC ratings.

“Now that he’s world-ranked by multiple sanctioning bodies, Billy is looking to stay busy in hopes of moving up the rankings and landing a high-profile fight,” said his manager, Pat Nelson. “We want to make sure he stays sharp and log his 20th win.”

Lyell’s opponent has not yet been named. The opponent is expected to be a tough, experienced fighter but not someone of a world championship level.

“Every guy is dangerous,” Lyell said Wednesday. “I trust Pat. He does a good job and he knows what’s best for my future.”

A win would give Lyell 20 career victories and could make him more attractive to the networks, particularly HBO.

One possible opponent is 22-year-old Daniel Jacobs (17-0, 15 KOs), who is scheduled to fight on Aug. 22 in Houston against an opponent to be named.

Lyell, who is trained by Jack Loew of the Southside Boxing Club, has been back in the gym for two months.

“I came back two weeks after the Duddy fight,” Lyell said. “I didn’t want to stay off too long.

“I’m anxious to get back in the ring. Right now, I’m just going to wait and see and hope everything works out for the best.”

The July 31 card will begin at 7 p.m. and feature a six-round bout between welterweight prospect Joey Myers (12-1-1) of Charleston and veteran Dezi Ford (24-25) of Alliance. Also, heavyweight Jason Pettaway (2-0) of Huntington, W.Va., will face Joseph Rabotte (3-6) of Columbia, S.C., in a four rounder.

For tickets, call (304) 290-0291.

scalzo@vindy.com