Odlanier Solis wants to prove Vitali Klitschko is human

In a press release sent out by Arena Box, Odlanier Solis says he's confident he's the man to knock off WBC heavyweight titleholder Vitali Klitschko.

Solis, who was announced as the No. 3 contender by the WBC, is also convinced he's better than both of the men rated ahead of him in the sanctioning body's latest ridiculous rankings. Ray Austin (28-4-4, 18 KO) and Oleg Maskaev (36-6, 27 KO) have been ranked No. 1 and No. 2, and will possibly fight to determine Klitschko's mandatory.

"I am very grateful that my merits are appreciated the way they are," said Solis. "Still being recognized as the #3 heavyweight in the world is not what I turned pro for. I will continue to work hard to prove that I am the no. 1. Actually I am convinced that I could beat the two guys ahead of me on one night. I will be heavyweight champion of the world – no matter who I have to fight and beat to get there!"

He also added this regarding Klitschko: "Everybody who sees Klitschko as the best should just wait until I’m done with him. I will let everybody know that he is only human, too, and can be knocked down like every other fighter in the world. I will continue going after him until I am the No. 1 contender and he cannot avoid fighting me."

I generally would agree with Solis on this point, maybe not on him beating Vitali (though a focused, in-shape Solis would have as good a shot as just about anybody), but on Austin and Maskaev for sure. Maskaev's chin isn't so great and the last time we saw Austin really step up in competition, Wladimir Klitschko bashed him without even throwing a single right hand. I'd be much more interested in Vitali-Solis than Vitali against either Austin or Maskaev.