(Photo: Arena promotions) By William Mackay: Former heavyweight title challenger Odlanier Solis (17-1, 12 KO’s) is finally ready to make his ring return on May 19th against an opponent still to be determined at the Convention Center, in Pharr, Texas. Solis, 31, hasn’t fought since being stopped in the 1st round last year in March against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. Solis’ previously injured right leg gave out on him after getting hit with a right hand from Vitali high on the head.

Solis subsequently had to go through a lengthy rehabilitation process after multiple surgeries to repair the problem. He’s now ready to go and wants a good opponent for his May 19th comeback fight and doesn’t believe in taking soft opposition. His promoter Ahmet Oner is currently searching for a quality heavyweight for him Solis to fight but it’s not easy, because not too many of the top 15 heavyweights are interested in facing him.

Solis wants a title shot against IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko soon as possible, perhaps feeling like he’ll have a better chance against the younger Klitschko than he would with Vitali. Solis also wants a rematch with Vitali, but his sights right now are on trying to land a big fight against Wladimir as soon as possible. It’s going to be difficult, however, because Solis hasn’t fought in over a year and is no longer ranked in the top 15. That’ll likely be changed with his next fight on May 19th, but it’s still going to take a considerable amount of time before he’s ranked back in the top five like he was previously. Solis can possibly get back to the top by next year if he stays really busy and fights four to six times per round. He can really help himself if he faces top 15 opposition rather than 2nd tier fighters.

Solis needs to keep his weight low because he’s put a lot of stress on his knees by bulking up to 250+. I don’t know if bulking is the right word for it. He’s basically eaten his way to the 250 club and he’s been routinely carrying around a considerable amount of fat that’s useless for him. In 2004, Solis won a gold medal in the Olympics weighing only 200lbs. However, since he turned pro, Solis has really packed on the pounds and it appears to be mostly fat that he’s put on. At 31, it’s doubtful that Solis can get back down to even the 220 region without draining himself in the process. However, he’s really do himself a huge favor if he trimmed off at least 20 pounds of the lard he’s been carrying around to get his weight to the 230s at least.