Klitschko vs Solis: Betting Odds in Vitali's Favor To Retain

Mar 18, 2011 • 12:00 PM ET

VITALI KLITSCHKO’S unspectacular reign as WBC heavyweight champion looks set to continue after the lumbering Ukrainian was installed as the 2-11 favourite on Betfair to beat Odlanier Solis on Saturday. Klitschko defends his 200lb crown for the seventh time against largely unfancied opposition in Cologne.

Having turned pro in 2006 following an Olympic gold medal win in 2004, Solis has yet to make an impact on boxing’s top division. And odds of 11-2 suggest the tubby Cuban will struggle to topple the champion.

At 4-5, punters on the betting exchange are almost certain that Klitschko will win the bout by knockout, while he is available at 9-4 to retain the belt by judges’ decision. Solis is a 17-2 shot to KO the champ, while he is out at 16-1 for victory by decision.

Betfair’s Alex Bake said: “Once again Vitali Klitschko takes on a sub-standard opponent. Our customers know that Solis offers little threat between the ropes. It would surprise me if the giant Ukrainian breaks a sweat for this one.”