Billy Lyell to fight Chris Gray next week

NILES — The IBF’s 15th-ranked world middleweight contender, Billy Lyell (20-7, 4 KOs) will defend his NABC Inter-Continental middleweight title on Oct. 17 at the Eastwood Expo Center

Lyell, a Niles native and Youngstown State graduate, will face Chris Gray (12-10, 6 KOs) of Baton-Rouge, La., in a 10-round main event championship.

Tabbed “October Fists” and beginning at 7:30 p.m., the six-bout card is being presented by World Wide Boxing in association with Bowers’ Productions.

Lyell last fought in July, when he knocked out Chris Overby in the second round. That followed his signature win over John Duddy in April 2009 in Newark, N.J.

“Defending my title in front of my family and friends means a lot,” said Lyell. “I always train hard and fight the best throughout world, but there’s no place like home.

“I hope the fight fans throughout the Mahoning Valley come out to show their support on Oct. 17.”

Lyell is managed by Pat Nelson and trained by Keith Burnside, both of Youngstown.

“ Billy is determined to shine as he steadily climbs to the top of the middleweight division,” said Nelson.

The eight-round co-feature will showcase junior middleweight Durrell Richardson (11-3) of Youngstown in a clash with Lamar Harris (6-3-2) of St. Louis.

The remaining undercard will be comprised of four-rounders.

Heavyweight Lonnie Zaid (1-0) of Detroit meets Erci Newel of Bethel, Pa. (making his debut), while light heavyweight Randy Campbell (1-0) of Zanesville battles Mike Kiser of Dover, also in his first fight.

Welterweight Jake Giuriceo (4-0) of Campbell and heavyweight Brandon Winner (3-6) of Liberty are both scheduled to appear in bouts against opponents to be determined.

Tickets are $20 (general admission) and $60 (ringside) and available at the Eastwood Mall customer service desk, both Big Family Sports Bar and Grill locations in Niles and Girard or by going on-line at WWboxing.net. For info on ringside VIP tables or sponsorship packages call Dave Bowers at (330) 766-0875.