Solis dominates green Pinoy challenger Oliva

Jether Oliva of the Philippines failed in his bid in knocking the IBF light-flyweight crown off Ulises Solis’s head Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) at the Benito Juarez Auditorium in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The judges scored it 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 all in favor of Solis, who was cheered on by the highly-supportive crowd.

While the scores were one-sided, Oliva had his moments early in the fight as he stood toe-to-toe with his seasoned rival, something ringsiders thought would never happen owing to Solis’s fearsome reputation.

Oliva came into fight with a 17-0-1 win-loss-draw card with 11 knockouts and had actually never fought outside the Philippines.

Solis entered the 12-rounder armed with a 32-3-2 slate with 21 knockouts.

Oliva, who hails from Mindanao, was brought to Mexico by Sammy Gello-ani, one of the Philippines’ busiest promoters.

Save for Brian Viloria, Solis has won his fights against Filipino punchers.

Solis also holds wins over Rodel Mayol and Bert Batawang.

Follow @interaksyon