WBC orders Valuev v Solis

The WBC has ordered an elimination fight between its top-two heavyweight contenders, Nikolai Valuev and Cuban youngster Odlanier Solis.

Russian giant back in the mix as Austin misses out

The WBC has ordered an elimination fight between its top-two heavyweight contenders, Nikolai Valuev and Cuban youngster Odlanier Solis. Champion Vitali Klitschko will make his next defence of the title against 12th-ranked Albert Sosnowski next month, after which Valuev or Solis could be next. However, WBA champion David Haye will be opening negotiations with the Klitschko brothers in the coming weeks in an attempt to get a unification fight later this year. Haye could also be forced into another fight with giant Russian Valuev, who is contractually entitled to a rematch following his defeat to the Briton last year. The undefeated Solis was originally scheduled to fight Ray Austin but the 39-year-old American became unavailable due to legal problems.