Oliva battles Solis for IBF diadem

Unbeaten Filipino Jether Oliva battles Mexican veteran Ulises Solis for the International Boxing Federation world light flyweight title in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday after accepting the fight on short notice.

Oliva’s manager, American Kenny Smith told the Inquirer that Jether was “offered this IBF title fight only four weeks ago which is very short notice to be fighting a guy like Solis. Thankfully Jether stays in great condition and lives a very clean life.”

Even though Oliva is rated in every world organization (WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF) at 105 pounds, Smith said, “I feel confident that he can win at 108 lbs. Taking on Solis in his hometown of Guadalajara shows Oliva’s Filipino bravery.”

Reacting to comments by “some boxing experts” that Oliva has not proven he is ready to take on a great champion like
Solis, Smith said “many lesser fighters have fought for the world championship and Jether deserves this opportunity as much as any of those fighters did.

“Oliva has proved he is good fighter, now he is in a fight that can prove he is a great fighter worthy of being called a world champion.”

Solis, who lost the title to Brian Viloria in a stunning 11th round knockout on April 19, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum, regained the crown in a rematch with Argentina’s Luis Alberto Lazarte after they fought to a majority draw in their first clash.

Oliva totes a record of 17 wins and one draw and has 11 knockouts to his name. Solis has a record of 33-2-3 with 21 knockouts.