COLOGNE, Germany (Reuters) - Vitaly Klitschko easily retained his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday with a first-round knockout of Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis.
The 19,000 fans were stunned to see the 39-year-old Ukrainian land a big right punch followed by a left to the top of the head, sending the 2004 Olympic champion, undefeated in all 17 of his professional fights, crashing to the canvas.
Klitschko, whose younger brother Vladimir holds three of the other four world title belts, improved his record to 42 wins and two defeats. Britain's David Haye is the WBA title holder.
"It was not easy at the start. Solis was pretty fast but he got a hard punch from me. I am so sorry for everybody who wanted a longer fight," Klitschko said in a ringside interview.
Much-fancied Solis, who had shed 10 kilos from his previous fight to weigh in at 112, looked to be taking the fight straight to the champion, landing several rights early in the round.
But as he went for another big punch, Klitschko saw the opening and struck with his own powerful right and then a left as Solis shook before his wobbly legs gave way and he went down after just three minutes.
As Klitschko's camp celebrated a surprisingly easy win, Solis and his team were left speechless and stunned in their corner, the fighter nursing his injured knee and being jeered by the disappointed crowd.
The 19,000 fans were stunned to see the 39-year-old Ukrainian land a big right punch followed by a left to the top of the head, sending the 2004 Olympic champion, undefeated in all 17 of his professional fights, crashing to the canvas.
Klitschko, whose younger brother Vladimir holds three of the other four world title belts, improved his record to 42 wins and two defeats. Britain's David Haye is the WBA title holder.
"It was not easy at the start. Solis was pretty fast but he got a hard punch from me. I am so sorry for everybody who wanted a longer fight," Klitschko said in a ringside interview.
Much-fancied Solis, who had shed 10 kilos from his previous fight to weigh in at 112, looked to be taking the fight straight to the champion, landing several rights early in the round.
But as he went for another big punch, Klitschko saw the opening and struck with his own powerful right and then a left as Solis shook before his wobbly legs gave way and he went down after just three minutes.
As Klitschko's camp celebrated a surprisingly easy win, Solis and his team were left speechless and stunned in their corner, the fighter nursing his injured knee and being jeered by the disappointed crowd.
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