By Lewis Croft: The stage was set for Odlandier Solis (17-1, 12 KOs) to become the first Cuban Heavyweight champion in history. Everything suggested that his traing camp went well by coming in at his lightest as a professional fighter. and experts suggested that this fight would be a tough battle for the ageing champion, Vitali Klitschko (42-2, 39 KOs). What followed next was in complete contrast.

Solis walked to the ring with a hint of swagger, the sort of confidence an undefeated fighter possesses . With ACDCs rendition of ‘Hells Bells’ travelling around the arena Dr Ironfist as always looked cool and collective. During the referees final commands, Solis refused to look into the steely eyes of Vitali. The time was now and the German crowd where expecting a cracker.

Vitali started off in his usual manner plodding away with the jab with his hands held low. Solis staying on the outside looked for an opening and threw a few shots of his own. He was looking to set up a hook. The first round was about to end without any real danger for Solis to worry about when out of nothing, Vitali landed a right hand. At first look there did not seem to be much venom put in the shot threw by Vitali but the legs of Solis just gave way. Looking confused on the canvas he tried to get his senses and stand on his feet. What happened next was like a scene from Bambi on Ice. His legs would not do what his mind was telling him and was trying to use the ropes to keep him upright. The referee gave him a chance to sort himself out but declared he was in no fit state to continue. Replays show that the shot may have hit him on the temple which suggest why his legs may have given way.

Klitschko rushed over there,seemingly to check on the health off his opponent, instead he seemed to share a few angry remarks to the Cuban. Vitali has trained hard for this fight and for it to end in such a manner will be disappointing for him. The German crowd heckled loudly as Solis slumped on his stool. Solis limped out of the ring with a suggestion that some damage has been caused to the knee.

What’s next for the two fighters is anyone’s guess. Throughout the build up the promoter of Solis has stated that if he does not beat Vitali he will retire from boxing. Surely Solis would not like his last bout to end the way it did. As for Vitali, there is not a lot out there for him, particularly with his brother Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) facing WBA champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KOs) in the summer. Maybe a potential bout with Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28 KOs) at the end of this summer.