by James Slater – While fans are keen to see unbeaten Cuban heavyweight Odlanier Solis take a step up in class so they can judge on whether or not the Olympic gold medallist is the real deal or not, they will have to make do with the 29-year-old taking on Carl Davis Drummond in his next outing instead. No disrespect to the 34-year-old from Costa Rica, but fans aren’t really going to get too excited at the thought of this fight – set for March 20th in Florida..
In fact, the most intriguing question surrounding the scheduled ten-rounder that will contest “La Sombra’s” WBC international title, is whether or not Solis can become the first fighter to halt the 26-2(20) Drummond.
Not being moved in any way as fast as the rest of his countrymen who defected from Cuba to fight in America, Solis, 15-0(11) last fought in October; scoring his most impressive win to date in taking out Monte Barrett inside two-rounds. Some five months later, the 271-pounder (Solis’ weight for the short night with “Two Gunz”) is ready to fight again. What type of fight can Drummond give him?
While the man from Costa Rican has never been stopped in his five year pro career, he is also coming into this fight off the back of two consecutive defeats. Ruslan Chagaev scored a 6-round TD over him back in Feb. of last year, the bout being terminated due to an accidental butt cut the former champion suffered; while big, strong Derric Rossy won a wide ten-round UD over Drummond in July of last year. Something tells me Solis will see to it that Drummond falls to a third straight loss.
There is nothing wrong with the 34-year-old’s heart, and Drummond also has decent skills and above average punching power – and who knows, maybe Solis isn’t the talent many people seem to think he is. A Drummond win, though, while no massive shocker, would be a big upset. Solis’ weight is a concern, however, and a March loss is somewhat conceivable due to the 29-year-old’s excess poundage. Drummond is always in good physical condition, whereas the Cuban star has seen his weight rise in each of his last four fights.
Maybe Solis is simply a naturally big guy (he did turn pro at 258-pounds, to be fair), but as long as he weighs-in at over the 270-pound mark, many fans will continue to question his desire. This won’t change if Solis tips in at a hefty weight yet still beats Drummond, either.
All the pressure will be on Solis in the March fight, and it’s up to him to perform like some people feel he can. I don’t think he’ll stop Drummond, and instead will win a wide points verdict. And after this win, the verdict on whether or not “La Sombra” is the genuine article will still not have been reached.