By Jim Dower: WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (41-2, 38 KO’s) doesn’t see his younger opponent Cuban Odlanier Solis (17-0, 12 KO’s) making it the whole 12 rounds in their fight this Saturday night at the Lanxess-Arena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Vitali, 39, sees the fight ending before that with Solis getting knocked out.

In an article at iol.co.za, Vitali said “The fight won’t last 12 rounds…There are good amateurs from Cuba but it’s different in the professional game.”

Vitali is speaking about Solis’ success as an amateur where he captured a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics for Cuba. However, Solis hasn’t looked nearly as good as heavyweight in the pro ranks unfortunately. Part of the problem is that he fought at 200 pounds while an amateur but that’s far too small to compete against the bigger heavyweights like the Klitschkos. Solis has put on 60 pounds since turning pro but much of it has been in the form of fat. Although the weight hasn’t stopped Solis from beating the 2nd and 3rd tier opponents his handlers have been matching up against since he turned pro, he’s taking a big step up in competition this Saturday night in his fight against Klitschko.

It’s likely going to be far too big of a step up and Solis’ weight problems will likely make things even more difficult and bleak for him. In order to beat one of the Klitschkos, you have to be light and fast on your feet. Solis may have decent hand speed but his wide body makes him slow on his feet and will give Vitali a big target to aim at in this fight.