By Dave Lahr: WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (42-2, 39 KO’s) was able to record a quick stoppage in on Saturday night after hitting previously unbeaten Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis (17-1, 12 KO’s) with a glancing blow in the last seconds of the 1st round that knocked Solis off balance, causing him to injure his right knee in the process in their fight in Lanxess Arena, in Cologne, Germany. Solis hit the deck and was unable to get back to his feet. The fight was then stopped by referee Jose Guadalupe Garcia at that point.

Let me make this clear: Solis wasn’t hurt by the right hand from Vitali, at least not hurt from the head shot. Solis was hurt when he twisted his knee after getting hit while off balance. The fight should have been ruled a no contest because of the injury. As far as the action went before the injury, Solis dominated the round, landing hard right hands and and occasional left hooks. Vitali stalked the entire round but mostly threw jabs.

Vitali looked uncomfortable with throwing his right hand because of his lack of hand speed. It wasn’t until the last seconds of the round that Vitali finally threw and landed a right, and that was a short right hand that he landed on the forehead of Solis while the Cuban was lunging forward to tag Vitali. Solis looked like the better fighter in the round and I think there is no way you can call that a stoppage win. It should be a no contest. If Vitali has any class, he’ll give Solis a rematch and left him prove that he’s the better fighter because Vitali sure didn’t prove that he’s better than Solis in the one round of action.