Roy Jones, jr. applauds strong Solis: “A wonderful prospect!”
15.03.08 - Olympic gold medallist Odlanier Solis left Cisse Salif without any chance at ARENA’s show in Munich Friday night. “La Sombra” dominated his opponent with one of the best performances of his young professional career impressing the audience including special ringside guest Roy Jones, jr..
The former pound-for-pound-champion congratulated the Cuban heavyweight right after the fight and later told the press what he liked most about Solis: “He’s got a very good eye, excellent reflexes and outstanding hand speed – probably the fastest hands of all heavyweights at moment” stated Jones, jr. “Solis is a wonderful prospect and an up-and-coming force. I am pretty sure that I saw a future champion who will have major impact on the division.”
The three-time world amateur champion clearly won all eight rounds to take home his eighth win in eight fights. Salif found no way through the strong and close defence hardly hitting the Cuban at all though he is a very experienced and tough opponent. The man from Mali (22-10-2, 20 k.o.) had almost beaten Samoan powerhouse David Tua in 2005 only losing by a contestable split decision.
“That’s something I really liked about the whole show”, stated Roy Jones, jr. “Ahmet Öner doesn’t pick any cupcakes for his prospects. He throws them in against strong opposition at very early stages of their careers to prepare them for the rocks they have to face in title fights. You won’t find many promoters in the world playing the game like this but to me it’s the best way to do it.”
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