Odlanier Solis Could Test Klitschko, Says Romanchuk

By Ruslan Chikov

Top Russian amateur Roman Romanchuk is giving Odlanier Solis a chance to make things very difficult for WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on March 19 in Germany. He fought Solis a few times in the amateurs. Romanchuk found him to be a formidable opponent, but said his lack of training is hurting his career in the pros.

Romanchuk doesn't like how Solis doesn't properly train for some of his fights. The Olympic gold medal winner is often overweight in some of his bouts. The question mark related to his preparation has left may wondering about his ability to be competitive with Klitschko. Even Romanchuk said it depends on which Solis shows up. In the amateurs, Romanchuk defeated Solis a few times, but lost to him in the finals of the 2005 World Championships.

"The fight is not exactly a gift. Klitschko will have to pass a difficult test. But the question still is, what kind of shape will the Cuban be in on the day of the fight - because the last time out he put on a fair amount of weight [against Ray Austin], and it made him become slower," Romanchuk told Bleek.