By John F. McKenna (McJack): With the fight between Vitali Klitschko and Odlanier Solis looming just six weeks away the moment of truth is quickly approaching for “Lasombra”. Solis had an outstanding amateur record, culminating with his winning the Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medal at Athens in 2004.

In addition, Odlanier won the World Championship at Heavyweight in 2001 in Belfast and again in Bankok in 2003. In 2005 he won the Super Heavyweight Championship at Miyanyang. He beat Sultan Ibragimov in the semi finals and TKO’d David Haye in the finals in 2001. Lasombra had Quite an impressive Amateur career, with 227 victories and 14 losses. Solis turned professional on April 27, 2007 with a victory over Andreas Sidon in 47 seconds of the first round. When Solis turned pro his weight had climbed to over 250 lbs as compared to 230 lbs as an amateur. In his most recent fight he weighed in at 260 lbs. On December 17, 2010 Odlanier won by a disqualification over Ray Austin in the 10th round. Austin, who appeared to be out on his feet, held on to Solis to avoid further punishment and was disqualified by the referee.
Despite winning the fight against the 40 year old Austin, Solis was unimpressive and lacked the speed he displayed as an amateur. Austin was able to score with his left jab repeatedly, although the jab lacked any snap. Solis insisted he was in condition despite the rolls of fat around his middle. The victory over Austin earned Solis a shot at Vitali Klitschko. Solis will be entering the ring against Vitali Klitschko on March 19, 2011 with a 17 and 0 record as a professional with 12 KO’s.

As is the case in every upcoming Heavyweight Championship fight there have been numerous stories written about the prospects of the challenger. By the same token a lot of articles have been written about 39 year old Vitali Klitschko. Let’s take a look at the facts. “Lasombra” has loads of talent as was demonstrated time and again in his amateur career. One of the disturbing things about Solis however, is his huge weight gain since he turned pro. 250 lbs or 260 lbs on a 6’1” frame while claiming to be in shape does not make any sense. Further disturbing is Solis defensive attitude when he claimed that he could do more sit ups than anyone he knows when he was questioned about his huge weight gain. This sounds like denial to me, much as Chris Arreola claimed to be in shape when he challenged Vitali in Sept 2009. Klitschko is a really good Champion whether his detractors want to acknowledge it or not. There are those who claim he has lost his punch and his speed. I’m not buying it. Try to tell Shannon Briggs, Chris Arreola, Albert Sosnowski and Juan Gomez that Vitali has lost it. Kingpin Johnson does not count after his disgraceful performance in December 2009, when he hid behind his left shoulder for 12 rounds rather than fight. There are those who have been critical of Vitali after his loss to Chris Byrd when the fight was stopped after he suffered a shoulder injury. It has been inferred by some that Byrd was on his way to a victory when Klitschko decided to quit. Nothing could be further from the truth. Klitschko was well ahead in the fight and on his way to victory when the fight was stopped due to his injury. Distortions and misrepresentations cannot alter the facts. Vitali has never been knocked down and since his return to the ring in the fall of 2008 he has not lost a round.

It is difficult to see how Odlanier at 6’1” will be able to solve the riddle of how to get inside on the 6’7” Klitschko. A huge price has to be paid for attempting to move in on Vitali. His left jab, left hook and right cross are powerful weapons. It will require more than wishful thinking and hype by the media to get it done. My best guess is that Klitschko will prevail by a late round stoppage.