Niles Native Billy Lyell (21-7, 3 KOs) will get his chance to earn a belt Jan. 30 when he takes on German Sebastian Sylvester (32-2, 15 KOs), announced Lyell’s manager Pat Nelson Friday.
Lyell, the IBF No. 14 middleweight and Youngstown State graduate, will fight the IBF middleweight title holder in Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany. Jack Loew will act at Lyell’s chief second for the world title fight.
Loew said the team found out about this opportunity Thursday. He said Lyell was supposed to fight Saturday, so he’s ready, but there’s a chance the opposition doesn’t know that.
“Billy’s the kid that keeps himself in shape even when he’s not fighting,” Loew said. “He had a fight scheduled, he’s in good shape and I don’t think they know that.”
Loew said there was always hope for Lyell to get an opportunity like this, and unless he has help from a major promoter, this may be his only chance. Regardless, Lyell will be fighting in a foreign country, in front of judges and fans that may be in favor of Sylvester, Loew said, and that’s reason for Lyell to try harder.
“Billy’s relentless and he knows this is a golden opportunity for him… he’s gotta go over there and fight his heart out” Loew said. “…He’s gotta go in there and completely dominate the fight and then still maybe look at losting a decision.”
Lyell said he’s been this position before, namely his upset victory over “Irish” John Duddy. Lyell is looking forward to the opportunity, but it is important to remember that during the fight, it’s just him and Sylvester in the ring, he said.
“You get an opportunity like this, you can’t pass it up,” Lyell said. “A lot of the middleweights are big out there, but I feel like my skills and my speed can match with anybody.”
Sylvester won the vacant title Sept. 19, 2009, after being Giovanni Lorenzo by decision.
Lyell won his last bout Oct. 17 during an eight-round decision against Chris Gray at the Eastwood Expo Center in Niles. Lyell has held the NBAC Inter-Continental Middleweight title for some time, but this is his first shot at a title of a major boxing organization.
