By Bill Patrice Jones: This past Saturday night in Cologne Germany will go down as one of the most disappointing nights in recent boxing history. Given that a Klitschko brother was involved one might be quick to assume the disappointment was a result of another challenger’s failure to be competitive in a title fight. Well this time it was something much more bizarre and unusual which left fans feeling dejected.
Coming into this WBC championship fight, the challenger, Odlanier Solis had failed to generate the sort of hype you associate with a truly worthy title contender. Even though this was true, La Sombra still had fans, and critics sharply divided. Some members of the press, particularly in the UK, saw Solis as yet another under conditioned, unmotivated no hoper who would ultimately fold when faced with such a finely y tuned mentally tough champion in Vitali Klitschko. Others saw something different, an immensely talented amateur standout who would likely be the first live opponent Vitali had dealt with since winning back the WBC strap in 2008. What happened in Cologne only left more questions for both sides to grapple with.
The atmosphere in Cologne was fantastic, serving as yet another reminder that heavyweight boxing is alive and well. A sell out arena for an event being broadcast to 120 countries worldwide is hardly the sign of a dying sport. The Klitschko brothers have saved heavyweight boxing. They have made title fights important again. Even still there was an added element of suspense this time around, and a growing belief that Odlanier Solis just might shock the world. Word had it that big money came in on the Olympic gold medallist shortly before the fight. Buoyed by Solis’s physical condition and confident demeanour there were many ready to wager he was the man to derail the Klitschko title run. Solis entered the Lanxess arena looking relaxed and full of confidence.
The show itself was another Klitschko extravaganza. After all the music and undercard action the crowd were sufficiently warmed up. Solis entered, in an old fashioned fighter’s robe and towel, looking confident and fiery. Too often we have seen challengers to the Klitschkos either fold mentally or bring with them an unhelpful arrogance encouraged by their handlers. Solis looked ready to give the fight of his life, and was not in the least unsettled by the crowd. Vitali Klitschko gave the customary pre ring walk vignette, and then made his slow composed journey into the ring.
Once all the talking was over the two big men squared off. Solis immediately appeared more mobile and agile at his lighter weight of 247 pounds. Klitschko walked forward as usual with hands held low and prodded with the jab. Solis took his time seemingly unfazed by Vitali’s prodding punches. Solis caught the champion with a couple of fast accurate chopping right hands early. Vitali was in pursuit, but Solis seemed more than capable of blocking punches with his effective high guard. A short left hook was probably Klitschko’s best punch of the session. Solis showed Klitschko constant movement, occasionally leaping in with body and head shots. Vitali was unfazed by what landed, but it was clear Solis was capable of landing allot more leather than most, and then it happened. With less than ten seconds to go Solis came forward with a two punch combination, Vitali responded with his own punches one of which grazed Solis’s head. After a moment Solis suddenly seemed to be in serious discomfort. He paused and then totally lost his equilibrium falling backwards to the canvas. The crowd were both excited and confused. It soon became clear Solis was struggling badly to get back to his feet. He clutched his right knee as he fell, and could not put any weight down on it when he pulled himself back up using the ring ropes. Solis was not dazed or disoriented, but totally out of balance, and in extreme discomfort. He wobbled on the right leg, spun around and shook his head prompting the referee to wave the contest off. Boos and jeers reverberated around the Lanxess arena, as Vitali uncharacteristically berated his opponent for not continuing. No one seemed to know what exactly had happened. Debate has continued until now.
Those citing the clean knockout theory claim that Klitschko caught Solis with a hard shot to the temple, the sort of punch which notoriously puts fighters in trouble. They cite Solis’s complete loss of balance as evidence that the punch did damage. If Solis injured his knee he did so on the way down.
Unfortunately while many, this author included, would love to heap praise on Vitali for scoring an impressive looking first round knockout of a strong challenger, the reality is; nothing of the sort took place. Despite both German and British broadcasters insistence that Vitali hurt Solis badly with his finishing punch the replay and the record clearly shows otherwise. As Solis came forward Vitali threw a punch which grazed the glove and then the forehead of Solis. Immediately after, Odlanier took a step forward with his right leg, as he did so his entire body seemed to give out from under him and he fell backwards clutching his knee. The record will show a first round knockout for Vitali, but the knockout punch was actually incidental. Odlanier Solis suffered a freak, and incredibly painful injury which forced him to collapse and fail to regain his footing. Anyone with experience in serious cruciate ligament damage will attest to the extreme pain associated with the injury. Vitali Klitschko’s uncharacteristic verbal assault on Solis clearly indicated that he thought his opponent might have faked an injury, or given up. ‘Let us see the doctors report’ he told sportscasters in the aftermath, unsatisfied that the punch he threw could have had such a profound effect.
So what now for Vitali Klitschko and the fallen challenger Odlanier Solis? For Vitali he knows he may very well be back in action as soon as June 25. It is unclear yet which Klitschko brother David Haye will actually be squaring off against in his huge world title bid. Adam Booth recently told the media that the Klitschkos have until the first week of May to decide which brother Haye will fight. Vitali Klitschko defied many people’s expectations by giving Lennox Lewis the fight of his life in 2003. He surprised many more, when after a four year layoff due to injury; he completely dismantled a 28 year old reigning world champion in his first fight back. If he was called up to challenge Haye, who would bet against him scoring an impressive victory over the charismatic WBA ruler? Vitali Klitschko is a great heavyweight champion. If he was once again unable to showcase either his skills or deficiencies against Solis on Saturday, what he was able to showcase was his iron chin. Whenever Solis landed a flush shot Vitali seemed not in the least troubled by it, charging forward with even more calculating menace. One can only hope he can show the world how good he still believes he is before his retirement. As for Odlanier Solis, this whole experience has been a bitterly disappointing one. Some, like David Haye, have little sympathy for the Cuban. The WBA champion immediately branded him a ‘fat bum’ after the fight. Haye’s sentiments are motivated by the belief that Solis’s history of weight problems is what led to his knee giving out so dramatically. In spite of the crude nature of his remarks he may yet have a point. Is it not reasonable to suggest that Solis’s sudden increase in the intensity of his training regime is what put his joints at such risk? For what’s worth this author saw in Odlanier Solis a very confident and worthy challenger in Germany. If he could move so well at 247 pounds, one can only imagine what a handful he would be at 227. Solis did indeed appear capable of igniting a truly competitive heavyweight fight. Given the severity of his injury it may be some time before he competes again. This author can only say; what a waste?