“Do or die” – Solis vs. Thompson II announced for October
2004 Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis will get a “last chance” to work his way back to the top of the world rankings. The Cuban defector who suffered a bad knee injury in the first round of his WBC heavyweight championship bout against Vitali Klitschko in March 2011 lost to US ring veteran Tony “The Tiger” Thompson in his last bout in March 2014. Many fans and experts thought that former amateur standout Solis was done after the majority decision loss. But now the 34-year-old wants revenge and will try to get back at Thompson in an October rematch.“The contracts are signed, we’re ready to go”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “Now Solis has to show what he’s made of. I am sure that he can beat Thompson. But their first bout showed that he needs the right attitude and a lot of stamina to do so. This is the last chance for both men. It’s do or die. After beating Solis, Thompson lost to Carlos Takam. Still both men are rated in the WBC top 15. So the winner can move up the rating and get in line for another world title shot – the loser should probably just retire.”
The place and the exact date of the fight haven’t been announced yet. Adds Oner: “We have different options. Many I will give my comeback in Germany. But there are other offers on the table, too. Solis vs. Thompson II is a great and close fight between two big champions. This is the kind of heavyweight fight that people want to see.”
Tony Thompson is looking forward to the rematch: “Solis is a gold medalist with a great record so I am not looking past him. I beat him once and I’ll do it again, only this time I am knocking him out! Nothing is going to stop me from my mission of winning a world title.”
Adds Thompson’s advisor Mike Borao: “The Heavyweight division is just starting to open up, and Tony Thompson is still very much in the championship mix.”
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