Odlanier Solis nails Konstantin Airich to grab IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight title – Boxing News
Odlanier Solis, the former WBC International and WBA Fedelatin heavyweight champion, grabbed a unanimous decision over Konstantin Airich, the former IBF Intercontinental heavyweight champion, in a 12-round bout held on May 19, 2012 and became the IBF Intercontinental
heavyweight champion.
Solis was making a comeback after the lapse of 15 months and is considered as a top-notch heavyweight pugilist who last collided with Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight gold.
The duo headlined the Saturday night showdown which was organised and promoted by Kathy Duva of Main Events. The ring for the event was set up at Convention Center in Pharr, Texas, United States and the night was co-headlined by the non-title eight-round
bout between Jerry Belmontes and Ramesis Gil.
Solis, 32, was entering the ring with considerable odds against him as he was returning to the after a long time. The Cuban proud boasted 17 wins in a total 18 bouts and has nailed 12 of his opponents by knockout. Solis, also known as ‘La Sombra’, was not
only rusty but also comparatively inexperienced and had a lower win and knockout ratio.
Konstantin, 33, was entering in his career’s 31st bout and boasted 23 wins. The German proud has nailed 17 of his opponents by knockout and was on a six-bout win streak since his last loss to Tye Fields.
Airich possessed a clear upper hand over Solis and during the bout both men put forth each other a tough resilient competition. During the whole 12-round showdown, Solis strived hard to knock the German out but Airich’s resilience and stiff chin aided him
well.
Solis mesmerised and amazed his critics by his impressive pugilism and in the third round connected a huge hook that rattled Airich. Konstantin got a bit dizzy but immediately came back in the bout.
The bout continued till the last second of the last round and the referees eventually gave 118-110, 119-109, and 119-109 in favour of Solis. After the emphatic win, the happy Solis remarked, “Konstantin showed a good fight and a good chin. I tried to knock
him out but he can take a shot. I also know that he is a hard-hitter so I tried to stay away from him. After all I am happy that my knee is well and that I could prove that I can go the championship distance even after my long injury break.”
On the other hand, Airich, the ‘Sandman’, stated, “I felt that I had too much respect for Solis. I didn’t go in as aggressively as I could have because I know that he is an excellent counterpuncher. I just didn’t deserve to win this fight but I will be back.”
With this win, Solis has grabbed not only his 18th win but is now also the owner of the IBF intercontinental heavyweight gold whereas Airich has received his fifth career loss.
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