Weights from Neubrandenburg IBF Middleweight Title: Sebastian Sylvester (Champion): 72,4 kg vs Billy Lyell: 71,1 kg
Heavyweight: Robert Helenius: 110,5 kg vs Lamon Brewster: 105 kg
WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title: Karo Murat (Champion): 79,3 kg vs Sean Corbin: 78,8 kg
Heavyweight: Kubrat Pulev: 109,5 kg vs Matt Skelton: 115,5 kg..
IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester will be counting on the ferocious support of his home fans in Neubrandenburg when he takes on Billy Lyell in his first title defence on Saturday night. The American is a late replacement for Pablo Navascues, who failed a random training drug test. “Preparing for a new opponent on short notice is no problem for Sebastian,” said coach Karsten Rower. “We have watched tapes of Lyell. His style is similar to the guys we had in sparring. Sebastian will be well-prepared and he will definitely defend his title.”
More than 4,500 fans raised the roof on September 19 when Sylvester clinched a points victory over Giovanni Lorenzo to ink King Arthur´s vacant title.
Saturday´s clash has been sold out for weeks. “The backing of my fans really means a lot to me,” Sylvester said. “They have supported me when I knocked out Castillejo and also against Lorenzo.
“I will put on another great performance against Lyell. After all, the Jahnsportforum has really become my living room. I will make sure Lyell won´t feel too comfortable, though.”
Lyell, who defeated John Duddy in April 2009, is convinced he will leave the country with the belt. “This is the chance I have been waiting for,” he said at today´s press conference. “Since my trainer Jack Loew also coaches Kelly Pavlik, a fight against him is very unlikely. That is why we have been thinking about a fight with Sylvester for quite a while – we know him very well. I am in great shape since I was due to fight this weekend anyway so I will make the most of this great chance.”
And Jack Loew added: “We have been following Sylvester for a while so we know how he fights. Billy is in great shape. He is ready to win the title. The fans can expect a huge surprise on Saturday.”
Sylvester-Lyell Media Training
IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester and challenger Billy Lyell today participated in a public work-out in Neubrandenburg. A sell-out crowd of 4,500 fans will support local hero Sylvester on Saturday night in what will be the Hurricane´s first title defence. “I am looking forward to Saturday,” Sylvester said. “Lyell is a tough opponent, but he will not beat me. I will defend my title and put on a great show for my home fans.”
The American challenger, who replaces Pablo Navascues following a positive drug test, arrived in Germany on Tuesday morning. Said his coach Jack Loew: “This is the chance Billy has been waiting for all his life. It is no problem to take the fight on short notice. He is in full practice and ready for Sylvester.”
Sylvester to defend Title against Billy Lyell after drug test KOs Navascues
Sebastian Sylvester (32-3, 15 KOs) will make the first defence of his IBF Middleweight Title against Billy Lyell after a positive drug test has KOed Pablo Navascues. The Spaniard was tested positive for banned substances during a random training check in January. “We have a zero-tolerance policy as far as doping is concerned and we are proud that our rigid control mechanisms have paid dividends,” Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer said. “Sylvester will now defend his title against Lyell in what will be an exciting fight in front of a sell-out crowd of 4,500 fans in Sebastian´s backyard of Neubrandenburg. With the help of his fans, he will make his first defence a successful one.”
Lyell came to fame last year when he upset then-undefeated Irishman John Duddy, winning a split decision in New Jersey. He has added two more wins to his record of 21-7 (4 KOs) since. “This was good timing,” manager Pat Nelson said. “He has been in full practice and was scheduled to fight anyway. He has no problems with his weight. He is perfectly prepared and travels to Germany to win.”
Added Team Sauerland sports director Hagen Doering: “All contracts have been signed. Sebastian must not underestimate Lyell, who will arrive in Germany on Tuesday. He will be joined by Jack Loew, who coaches Kelly Pavlik.”
Also in action on January 30 will be the “Nordic Nightmare” Robert Helenius (10-0, 6 KOs), who takes on former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster.