Niles' Billy Lyell gets world title shot

Niles native Billy Lyell will fight Sebastian Sylvester for the IBF middleweight title Jan. 30 in at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.

Lyell (21-7, 4 KOs) is ranked No. 14 by the IBF and replaces Sylvester’s scheduled opponent Pablo Navascues, who tested positive for a banned substance.

Sylvester (32-3, 15 KOs) is a native of Germany. He defeated Giovanni Lorenzo for the vacant IBF title on Sept. 19. Arthur Abraham held the belt previously before vacating the title to move up to super middleweight.

This is the first world title opportunity for Lyell, who shocked previously undefeated John Duddy last spring. Lyell was supposed to fight on a card in West Virginia on Jan. 30.

For more details, read Saturday's Vindicator or visit Vindy.com.