By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has been advised that a deal is very close for Vitali Klitschko's mandatory defense of the WBC heavyweight title against unbeaten challenger Odlanier Solis (17-0, 12KOs). A purse bid scheduled for later today has been postponed to provide both sides with additional time to finalize the terms.

Klitschko (41-2, 38KOs) is looking to fight three times in 2011. The date of March 19, in Germany, is being mentioned for Klitschko-Solis. A venue has not been secured so there is a possibility of a different date coming down.