It has been confirmed by BILD, that the Vitali Klitschko-Nikolai Valuev fight, having had its problems during the negotiations stage, is now "dead." The fight will not happen, confirmed Klitschko's manager, Bernd Bonte, and the German promoter says the fight collapsed because of Don King.
"Promoter Don King is crazy," Bonte said. "He makes demands for Valuev that are simply not acceptable."
So, the question is, what now for both fighters? Valuev may not have too many options to look at, in truth, and it's fair to say no attractive match-up jumps out for him. As for the reigning WBC heavyweight king nicknamed "Dr Iron Fist," he has said he plans to make 2010 his final year in the ring, and he has made it clear he'd love to get his hands on WBA ruler David Haye before exiting.. However, with Haye busy for the time being, with his April 3rd fight with former champ John Ruiz, the word is Vitali may look to fight unbeaten Cuban contender Odlanier Soils next - presumably then going back on the Haye-hunt if he's victorious over the man who is currently ranked number-two by the WBC.
An interesting fight on paper, Klitschko-Solis would likely attract quite a lot of fan attention. 29-year-old Solis, now 15-0(11) and coming off his most impressive pro win to date with his October KO over Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett, must first get past Carl Davis Drummond of Puerto Rico on March 20th (the same day Vitali's brother, Wladimir, defends his heavyweight championship against Eddie Chambers). With all due respect to Drummond, 26-2(20), "La Sombre" should have no real problems doing so.
But what kind of fight would Solis give Klitschko? Well, at a fraction above 6'1," Solis is no giant of a heavyweight, but his reach is, surprisingly, only an inch shorter than that of Vitali's. And at approx 271-pounds (the weight he tipped in at for the Barrett fight), Soils would be the heavier man over Vitali by some twenty-plus pounds.
This fight, if it happens, really will be a huge step for the former Olympic gold medallist, though. How will Solis handle the pressure? Will his chin hold up to Klitschko's powerful punches? At 271, will Solis have the stamina to last all 12 rounds and be competitive against the 38-year-old? Of course, if the fight does take place and it happens in Germany, the sight of many a Klitschko fight, Solis will not be at all fazed by the location; having turned pro in Germany and having fought there many times.
Put it this way, Klitschko-Solis is at least intriguing, and this possible match-up is a lot better than some other possibilities. At the very least, this fight could not be any worse than Vitali's fight with Kevin Johnson - could it?
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