By Dan Ambrose: Previously unbeaten heavyweight contender Odlanier Solis (17-1, 12 KO’s) reportedly earned a respectable $1.8 million for his 1st round knockout loss to WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (42-2, 39 KO’s) last Saturday night in Cologne, Germany. For his part, Vitali earned a minimum of $15 million. The fight, which took place at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, had over 19,000 fans in attendance, many of which were deeply upset at how the fight ended with Solis collapsing on the canvas with a right knee injury after taking a short right hand from Vitali.

Solis bravely attempted to get up and resume fighting but he quickly discovered that his right leg couldn’t support his weight and needed to lean on the ring ropes for support to stay up right. It’s hard to say who was more upset – Solis or Vitali, because neither of them were happy with the way the fight ended. Vitali wanted to show off his skills and prove that he was the better fighter. He didn’t really make a case that he was the better fighter despite getting the knockout win. Solis clearly got the better of Klitschko for most of the fight and seemed to have Vitali figured out. Vitali looked tentative and unsure how to land his right hand power shots in the fight. Vitali was limited to throwing only jabs and it didn’t look impressive.

If Solis’ right knee heals up, we could have a future heavyweight champion in star in the making. The Klitschkos will be retiring eventually and WBA heavyweight champion David Haye will be retiring at the end of the year. Solis will likely be a champion very soon as long as his right knee is operated on and heals correctly.