Los Angeles, CA– For anyone who watched Wladimir Klitschko’s (54-3, 48 KOs) dominant and impressive 12th round knockout of the much smaller (6′1′) and light-punching “Fast Eddie” Chambers (35-2, 18 KOs) might be led to believe that no heavyweights currently stand a chance of beating him or even being competitive with the 6′6′ Ukrainian giant. The IBF & WBO heavyweight champion has tallied 12 wins in a row, and is the best the division has to offer besides his brother Vitali (39-2, 37 KOs) who holds the WBC diadem. While there are currently no American heavyweights that appear to be able to compete with the brothers, a talented prospect waits in the wings for his shot at the heavyweight crown. 2004 Olympic Gold medalist at heavyweight, Cuba’s Odlanier Solis (16-0, 12 KOs) may have the size (260+ lbs), amateur pedigree and style to be competitive and possibly pull off a victory against either brother.
BEST CUBAN HEAVY SINCE TEOFILO STEVENSON?
The 29 year-old and three-time amateur world champion won an easy fourth round stoppage against over-matched former wold title challenger Costa Rica’s Carl Drummond (26-3 20 KOs) this past Saturday on Fox Sports Espanol. Drummond went six rounds last year in title bid with then WBA heavyweight titlist Ruslan Chagaev (25-1-1, 17 KOs). An accidental head clash sent the bout to the scorecards when the champion was unable to continue, with Chagaev retaining his title. Solis had less trouble as he completely outclassed the Costa Rican forcing him to quit at the start of the fourth round.
HE’S BIG LIKE A BEAR!
The “portly” Cuban has deceptively fast hands, good power and an uncanny ability to cut off the ring. The biggest obstacle besides a possible lack of work ethic, is that due to the limited number of solid heavyweights there are no opponents that can prepare him for the physical size or style of either Klitschko. Add to that his lack of experience in the professional ranks. With only sixteen bouts under his belt there are already talks of him facing Vitali by the end of the year. Unfortunately no heavyweight contender would be ample preparation if he decides to fight in the interim.
NO BIG GUYS GO TO THE BODY
The majority of heavyweights seem to ignore the effectiveness of a solid body attack. Solis has a great ability in cutting off the ring then going to the body to set up combinations. While he appears to be lazy, don’t let his soft looking body fool you. When he opens up he is surprisingly explosive, and that may be due to his level of opposition, but at this stage he may be the only fighter that has the tools to solve the puzzle of the Klitschko brothers. How well he takes a punch is yet to be seen as he has completely dominated every fighter he’s faced thus far. Lets hope that if he is thrust into a title shot by the end of this year that he is properly conditioned to maximize his chances. While there is no guarantee the Cuban can beat either brother, the prospect of a competitive heavyweight championship fight looms and lets hope Solis possesses the goods.
Kevin Perry