Solis’ Knee Injury Gives Vitali Klitschko a Anti-Climatic 1st Round TKO [VIDEO]

COLOGNE, NORDRHEIN, GERMANY — A visibly embarrassed Vitali Klitschko (49-2, 39 KOs) received the most disappointing TKO of his career today when Odlanier Solis (17-1, 12 KOs) was unable to continue after a first round knockdown.

What was expected to be a mismatch started with promise due to Solis’ hand speed. The Cuban caught Klitschko flush several times with counter right hands over the Ukrainian champion’s jab. Vitali had trouble landing clean shots, and Solis’ constant movement prevented him from getting set to throw. While Klitschko was the more active fighter, nearly all of his punches were pitty pat jabs that were picked off by Solis’ high guard.

In the closing seconds of the first round, Solis suddenly lunged forward with a flurry. Klitschko stepped out of range and landed a glancing right. The punch appeared to do no initial damage until Solis abruptly stumbled back and fell on the seat of his pants. When he got up very slowly to beat the bell, it became apparent his pain was due to his injured right knee and not the force of the punch. The referee called a halt to the bout, giving Vitali Klitschko a first round TKO. Afterward, a clearly angry Klitschko was seen questioning Solis and his corner about the injury.

Vitali Klitschko is in talks to face Tomasz Adamek later this year.

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This was bad…very bad. What made it so awful was that it looked like Vitali was going to have a challenge. Injuries happen, but I know all those fans are pissed off. At least we know David Haye can land with his right hand should he and Vitali ever fight.