Boxing: Klitschko to defend crown against Solis

BERLIN: WBC heavyweight champion Vitaly Klitschko will defend his title against 2004 Olympic champion Odlanier Solis from Cuba in Cologne on March 19.

The 39-year-old Klitschko, whose younger brother holds three of the other four belts, retained his world heavyweight title by beating American Shannon Briggs on points on October 16, improving his record to 41 wins, two defeats. “Solis is an experienced, quick and uncomfortable fighter,” said Klitschko. “I will not underestimate him.” The 30-year-old Cuban, who beat Ray Austin in December to get a shot at the title, is undefeated in 17 professional fights with 12 knockouts.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2011.