Niles boxer Lyell looks for big hit in W. Virginia

By Joe Scalzo

The middleweight will fight Chris Overbey on Friday in a Charleston stadium event.

Just because Billy Lyell’s next fight is in a minor league stadium doesn’t mean he’s not ready for the big leagues.

In his first fight since stunning John Duddy in April, the Niles native will meet Ohioan Chris Overbey on Friday in a middleweight bout at Appalachian Power Park, a minor league stadium in Charleston, W.Va.

“I’ve fought down there a few times,” said Lyell, ranked No. 12 by the IBF and 19th by the WBC. “They’ve got a great stadium and it’s nice because the fans can make the trip.”

The bout is expected to be a tune-up for Lyell (19-7, 3 KOs), who is looking to snag a major fight in the next few weeks. Lyell upset the previously undefeated Duddy (26-1, 17 KOs) with a split decision victory on April 24 in Newark, N.J.

“It’s pretty neat to be ranked,” Lyell said. “But that Duddy fight is over and now it’s on to the next one.

“I’m looking forward to big opportunities.”

Friday’s bout was chosen to help Lyell stay sharp. Overbey (9-11, 2 KOs), who hails from Sidney, Ohio, has lost seven of his last eight bouts (six by knockout) and is not considered a threat to upset Lyell.

“I’m just trying to prepare myself as well as possible,” said Lyell, who trains at the Southside Boxing Club under Kelly Pavlik’s trainer, Jack Loew. “Just get in the best condition I can and I’ll be all set for [Friday].”

Although he is ranked as a middleweight, the 5-foot-9 Lyell believes he’s better suited for the 154-pound junior middleweight division, where he’s more likely to meet fighters his size.

“Ultimately, any fighter’s goal is to win a world championship,” said Lyell. “I think the 154-pound weight division is my best chance to do that.

“[But] it doesn’t really matter [who I fight]. As long as the purse is right, I’ll pretty much fight anybody.”

Lyell’s manager, Pat Nelson, said he wanted to give his fighter a tune-up bout since he hasn’t fought since April. Nelson is also planning a tougher tune-up bout for Lyell on Aug. 21 in Morgantown, W.Va., against an opponent to be named.

“I’ve got some guys in mind [for the second bout],” Nelson said, “but I wanted to use this [Friday] fight first.

“He’s not in a world-class fight but we’re just trying to log that 20th win. Just trying to stay sharp and stay ready for more meaningful fights.”

Friday’s card begins at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7. It features 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.

Advance tickets cost $20. The price is $25 at the gate. To order, call (304) 344-BATS or (304) 290-0291.

scalzo@vindy.com