Odlanier Solis Discusses His Injury, Airich Comeback Bout

By Ryan Burton

Heavyweight contender Odlanier Solis (17-1) was in Las Vegas this past week to support Miguel Cotto in his mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Cotto and Solis both train under the watchful eye of Cuban coach Pedro Diaz.

Solis was last seen in the ring in March of 2011 when he suffered a first round knockout loss against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. Solis started the fight out very well before suffering a knee injury. Solis was unable to continue  which lead to the fight being ruled a knockout loss. The former Olympian subsequently underwent surgery and says that his rehabilitation has gone well.

"I am feeling really great. My knee has been rehabilitated and I am ready to go. I can't wait to get back in the ring," Solis told BoxingScene.com.

Solis is scheduled to return to the ring on May 19th in Pharr, Texas against Konstantin Airich (23-5-2) in a fight that will be televised on Telefutura.  He said that he feels he is already back to his pre injury form.

"I am going to show that I am back and the same as I was before my injury," Solis stated.

The Cuban defector also said that he thinks he will need a few fights before he is ready to challenge for another championship.

"It depends on what my promoter thinks but I would imagine I need two, three or four more fights and then I will be ready for another shot at a title," Solis revealed.

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