By C. Hardie, Photo by Arena Box Promotion – Theres no doubt about it, Samuel Peter VS Vitali Klitschko has been the most anticipated Heavyweight clash of the year. The fight for the rightful owner of the Green strap takes place this weekend in Berlin, Germany. But theres another clash that night, its the fight before the fight, Cuban Odlanier Solis Olympic Gold Medalist, two time Amateur Heavyweight World Champion and current contender versus Kiwi/American Chauncy Welliver toughman competitor, world class sparring partner, New Zealand Heavyweight Champion, former WBC Youth Champion and now genuine heavyweight contender..
On the surface it would seem another clearcut victory for Solis, but thats until you dig a little deeper. Welliver made his pro debut 23/06/2001 against the then 1-0-0 Thomas Eynon, the man they call “the fat, dorky, white guy” made short work of Eynon that night winning by the big KO in the 1st. Since then Welliver has accumulated a 35-4-5 record, picking up a series of titles along the including the NWBA, WBE Youth, WBC Youth, WBC Fecarbox, NBA, Washington State, CAM and just recently the New Zealand title. Along the way notching up some tidy names Felipe Bojorquez, King Ipitan and Billy Zumbrun. Yes there are no big top 10 names on the resume, yes the common name on both Solis and Wellivers record is Chad Van Sickle Welliver scoring a WSD12 and a DRAW over Van Sickle Solis a KO1, yes theres the 4 losses and 5 draws, but what you cant deny “The Hillyard Hammer” is his chin, toughness, and his desire. For a big man Welliver is a busy fighter, hes awkward, can make you look bad, doesnt mind banging away on the inside or sitting back and working off the jab, the guys experienced 44 pro fights and thousands of rounds sparring against world class heavyweights puts claim to that. Welliver isnt coming to lie down in Berlin, this is his big opportunity, WBC International Title, a chance to beat the man many claim to be the next big thing, a fight on Showtime. I think that makes him a tougher opponent than many may expect. While some have gone into a fight with Solis dreaming of what they are going to spend there pay checks on, Welliver is coming for the W. He’s a proud man, proud to represent his hometown of Spokane, proud to represent his friends and family, proud to fight for his adopted homeland New Zealand, proud to fight on Showtime. It’s his pride which will carry him through the tough points in the fight and his pride that will make him Solis’s toughest test yet.
In regards to Solis, you can take nothing away from the man, he’s an Olympic Gold Medalist that in itself is a huge achievement. Many have critised his dedication to the pro game, and possibly rightly so. But the guy can fight, wether he wants to or not, wether he has the burning desire to be a champion or not the guy is on paper the most talented heavyweight currently fighting today. Big call? Maybe so. Solis carrys power in both hands, and theres no questioning he has fast hands, those combined make for a dangerous opponent alone. Whilst hes struggled a little perhaps against taller opponents that can take a shot, it may be his laziness thats let him down in those situations. Wether Solis can dig deep and show he wants to be the man in the heavyweight division is yet to be seen. That question could be answered October 11th in Berlin, Germany.
Welliver’s Keys to Victory:
– While not a big banger, Welliver must stay busy his work rate is his strength.
– Finish each round strongly. It’s a mental game as much as a physcial one, showing Solis you still got petrol in the tank at the end of each round is key.
– Mix things up, keep Solis quessing. Box on the outside, back your resilence and bang with him on the inside, rough him up a bit. Dont let Solis settle into his rythem
– Take him into deep water. Solis hasnt been past 8 before, if Welliver can get him into the late rounds he maybe able to take advantage of Solis lack of experience here. Once in the deep end of the pool lift the tempo of the fight pick up the pace see if Solis can match it.
– This is your shot, empty the tank, leave it all in the ring.
Solis’s Keys to Victory
– Respect your opponent, Solis cant afford to get lazy and let Welliver steal rounds
Use your hand speed, throw punches in bunches
– Show your power early on, make Welliver think twice about mixing it up.
– Pace yourself, Welliver has a proven chin and you got 12 rounds to make things happen. Estabish your jab and then take control over the pace of the fight.
– Fight with the desire of a champion many believe you will become
My prediction for the main two Heavyweight bouts
Peter VS Klitschko: Peter TKO10
Welliver VS Solis: Solis by close UD12 (and given a shake up)