Pedro Diaz and Russ Anber talk Odlainer Solis

Interview

Pedro Diaz and Russ Anber talk Odlainer Solis
By Ivan 'LatinoPorVida' Montiel (19-Mar-2010)

Ivan Montiel caught up with Pedro Diaz and Russ Anber to talk about their charge and former Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis, who headlines Saturday’s Top Rank Live, on FOX Sports Net and FOX En Español at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT!
Ivan Montiel: Hello Russ and Pedro… many Fight Fans want to know what part you play into working with unbeaten Cuban heavyweight Odlainer Solis?

Russ Anber: Well I am his cut man in charge of wrapping his hands; assistant to both Solis and his head trainer Pedro Diaz therefore whenever they need assistance I am there taking care of them… that’s pretty much my role.

I am very happy to be part of Team Solis. I am very happy that Solis has me working his corner.

IM: Before I get into talking about Solis’s upcoming opponent… can you tell the Fight Fans how Solis got his start in boxing?

Pedro Diaz: Well he was just a kid like every other kid in Cuba who had visited a nearby boxing gym. He got interested and took his first steps. As you know in Cuba boxing is popular. It’s very difficult to find a kid who isn’t interested in boxing. That’s how Solis began his boxing career.

IM: Were there any particular boxers who inspired Solis to box?

PD: In fact there have been many boxing greats who have inspired Solis… such as Muhammad Ali with his speed, Mike Tyson of course, George Foreman and Evander Holyfield. Solis wants to do the same as these greats did… not only for boxing in America but also for boxing worldwide. You know at present there is a crisis in the heavyweight division. Americans have always dominated the heavyweight division but now it’s the Klitschko brothers and fighters from Europe. The Klitschko brothers are good… but we all want the Americas back on top!

IM: What can you tell us about Solis’s amateur background?

PD: In Cuba we have good amateur boxers. After his amateur career, Solis moved on to pro boxing and has developed into a talented boxer.

IM: What would you say has been his toughest challenge so far?

PD: His toughest challenge hasn’t come up yet… But it’s about to come! Solis has had some interesting fights, but up until now his toughest fight hasn’t come yet.

IM: Is it possible Carl Drummond may be Solis’s toughest challenge on Saturday night?

PD: Every opponent is dangerous but I was thinking more about the future when we step things up. We are prepared for Drummond though.

IM: From the sounds of it Solis would love to fight the Klitschko’s… is that right?

PD: We are ready to fight the Klitschko whenever they are ready!

IM: What does Solis think of the Klitschko brothers?

PD: Well the Klitschko brothers are good boxers who have made boxing history. They have dominated the heavyweight division in recent years. Having said that… it doesn’t mean the Klitschko brothers are invincible. They are good guys and good fighters.

IM: How will Solis get on the inside against the Klitschko’s? That is something many opponents have tried but have been unable to do…

PD: Well that problem is technical… but we believe there is a good chance Solis can beat them.

IM: Speaking of the heavyweight division… what about David Haye?

PD: David Haye has already lost to Solis in the amateurs. Solis wouldn’t have a problem against him.

IM: Would he consider fighting Haye again?

PD: If Haye accepts Solis will fight him again.

IM: Haye has an upcoming fight against John Ruiz… what are your thoughts on that fight?

PD: They are both good boxers but David Haye is more talented.

IM: Lets talk a bit about Solis’s opponent for Saturday night in Carl Drummond. What do you know of him… have you seen any of his past fights?

PD: We will give him a tough fight. That’s all I have to say. We are very well prepared.

IM: How was this training camp?

PD: Solis has the skills! Many Fight Fans talk about Solis’s weight, but his skills are the most important element. In a boxer it’s all skills, power and resistance. His weight isn’t a problem and he has some serious speed for a heavyweight.

IM: How much does Solis weigh right now?

PD: 208 pounds.

IM: Do you have a prediction for this fight?

PD: We have trained to go the distance that’s all.

IM: Is there anything you would like to say to Carl Drummond?

PD: We respect him as a person and as a fighter. We wish him the best and may the best man win!

IM: Moving ahead into future plans who would you guys like to fight next?

PD: We are ready for anyone although we would love to fight the Klitschko’s!

IM: Anything you would like to say to all the Fight Fans who continue to support Solis in every fight?

PD: I would like to say to all Latinos and all the Americans who support Solis… We are very proud for your support. Solis won’t let you guys down… he will become champion!

IM: Guys thank you once again for checking in with Fight Fans at FightFan.com. I want to wish you all the best against Carl Drummond. As always it’s a pleasure talking to both you and Russ Anber!

PD: Gracias Ivan Montiel anytime!

RA: Anytime Ivan Montiel!

Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) International heavyweight champion Odlanier Solis (15-0, 11 KOs), a former Cuban Olympic gold medalist and the WBC’s No. 2-rated heavyweight contender, defends his title against one-time world heavyweight championship challenger Carl Drummond (26-2, 20 KOs), of Limon, Costa Rica. The Solis-Drummond title tilt will headline Saturday’s Top Rank Live, televised live on FOX Sports Net and FOX En Español, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (check your local listings. Some markets may air it delayed) from Mallory Square in the beautiful Florida Keys. The televised card will also feature an eight-round battle between undefeated super bantamweights Alejandro Lopez (15-0, 4 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico and Jorge Diaz (12-0, 8 KOs), of Jersey City, NJ.

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3 Responses to “Pedro Diaz and Russ Anber talk Odlainer Solis”

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Ivan "LatinoPorVida' Montiel Says:

I had a great time talking with both Russ and Diaz these guys are the best!

Vamos Solis! LATINOS!
March 20th, 2010 at 12:18 am
Ace Freeman Says:

Thanks for this Ivan, it was interesting to hear Diaz’s thoughts on the heavyweight division.

Hopefully we can catch up with Russ when he’s back up in Canada for some post fight thoughts.

Solis is one of the few heavyweights with some skill. Imagine a big guy actually moving his head! ; )

He’s got skill and quick hands. If he keeps in shape he has a good shot to make some noise at heavyweight.

I’ll be tuning in tonight for sure!
March 20th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Ivan "LatinoPorVida' Montiel Says:

No problem Ace anytime you know me I love boxing!

I’m sure Russ as always will have lots to say after the fight. I among many FIGHT FANS enjoy hearing what the coach has to say each and everytime.

Yes Solis sure got skills, he also packs a punch which makes him a bigger threat to all heavyweights.

I will be rooting Solis! VAMOS Solis!
March 20th, 2010 at 9:07 am

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