Back in March, Tony Thompson travelled to Turkey--home of Solis' promoter Ahmet Oner--and pulled of a split decision victory in a mild upset. Oner says the contracts are signed for a rematch to take place this October, according to ESPN.com.
Solis is an Olympic gold medalist from Cuba who--stop me if you've heard this one--has yet to fulfill expectations as a professional. He fought Vitali Klitschko in 2011 but blew his knee out in the first round for an incredibly unsatisfying TKO loss.
After rehabbing the knee, Solis fought three times before meeting and losing to Thompson. His promoter says it's do-or-die time for both fighters:
"Now Solis has to show what he's made of. I am sure that he can beat Thompson. But their first bout showed that he needs the right attitude and a lot of stamina to do so. This is the last chance for both men. It's do or die. Both men are rated in the WBC top 15, so the winner can move up the ratings and get in line for another world title shot. The loser should probably just retire."
Thompson, of course, derailed the David Price train with two KOs in 2013 before losing a title eliminator to Kubrat Pulev. He knows this fight is critical to getting another title shot:
"Solis is a gold medalist with a great record, so I am not looking past him," Thompson said. "I beat him once and I'll do it again, only this time I am knocking him out. Nothing is going to stop me from my mission of winning a world title."
Thompson's already been knocked out twice by Wlad, so here's a fight between contenders who've each been dispatched handily by the Klitschkos. How excited should we get about the winner?