Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych congratulated his compatriot WBC Heavyweight World Champion Vitali Klitschko with a confident victory in his title defense bout last week in Germany.
"Dr. Ironfist" Klitschko (42-2, 39 KOs) defended his WBC belt against Cuba's Odlanier Solis on Saturday in Cologne with a first round KO.
"I sincerely congratulate you with victory in the bout against Cuba's Odlanier Solis. I am convinced that this success is a considerable contribution to other achievements of national boxing and an example to follow for many Ukrainian athletes," Yanukovych said.
Mandatory challenger 'La Sombra' Solis (17-1, 12 KOs) suffered his first career defeat after judges decided to stop the bout in the first round due to a knee injury of the Cuban, disappointing a sell-out crowd of over 19,000 spectators at the Lanxess Arena.
On the third minute of the first round, Klitschko delivered a short right-hand blow to the temple of the 2004 Olympic Champion causing him to wobble and then fall, twisting his knee.
KIEV, March 21 (RIA Novosti)
