Tony Thompson – Odlanier Solis II Set for January 24th

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The heavyweight rematch between Cuban Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis and US ring veteran Tony Thompson is scheduled for January 24th in Dusseldorf, Germany. Promoter Ahmet Oner announced the new date today after the fight had to be postponed twice after Solis suffered an ankle injury in training. “It was not easy to keep Tony Thompson and his team calm and convince them to postpone again but we found an agreement and I am happy that the fight can finally take place in January”, said Oner. “Unfortunately, Solis’ injury took longer than expected to heal because he started training too early. But now he’s back on track again and the fight on the new date is a done deal.”

Solis vs. Thompson II was originally scheduled for October 18th before Solis twisted his ankle. Oner postponed to November 22nd but the rematch couldn’t take place on that date either. Thompson upset Solis in their first fight in March in Turkey when he won by split decision. Now Solis wants to avenge that loss hoping to get in line for another title shot.

“The heavyweight division is pretty boring at the moment with Wladimir dominating his opponents at will,” states Oner. “That’s why we need fights like Solis vs. Thompson II or Chisora vs. Fury II. Those bouts are good to find at least a worthy challenger for Klitschko. And it’s real boxing with a lot at stake.”

For both Solis and Thompson this is most probably the last chance to get at least close to another title shot. Both men already fought for world titles. Solis lost to Vitali Klitschko in a WBC championship bout in March 2011 while Thompson was stopped twice (July 2008 and July 2012) by Wladimir. The winner of Solis vs. Thompson II gets in line for a second (or third) chance while the loser can most probably hang up his gloves.