Interview With Odlanier Solis' trainers Pedro Diaz & Russ Anber

Tomorrow night at New York's Madison Square Garden, 2004 Olympic Heavyweight Gold Medalist Oldanier Solis takes on one time contender Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett.

Originally scheduled to face the sharp jabbing Kevin Johnson, and then substitute Fres Oquendo when Johnson pulled out after landing a title shot against Vitali Klitschko - Solis and his team are just relieved to have a capable opponent on the Latin Fury 12 show.

The Boxing Bulletin's Ivan Montiel caught up with the former amateur star's trainers Pedro Diaz (pictured below in the gym with Solis) and Russ Anber (pictured right with Solis).

First of all, thanks Russ and Pedro for checking in with The Boxing Bulletin. Tell me what happened with Johnson and then Oquendo pulling out? I heard now its Monte Barrett, is that correct?

Russ: I really don’t know and I don’t want to speculate. All I know is they both pulled out of the fight and therefore Solis is fighting Monte Barrett instead.

How has training been going so far?

Russ: Solis is looking very good. He’s had a great preparation, a great camp, and he’s in good shape and he’s only going to get better. I think this is just the beginning, it’s been a short camp about one month yet it’s been great. I think he’s going to be the best that we’ve seen, one of the premium fighters in the heavyweight division.

Is Solis bothered at all by having to change opponents at last minute?

Pedro: Honestly I don’t think so although he’s had to make quite a few changes here and there but with his experience background in the Olympics I believe he has what it takes to adjust to any opponent.

Has Solis trimmed down in weight?

Russ: I used to think about his weight especially when he was at 265 yet when I spent time with him in camp I realized he just has one of those body types that’s just round - but he’s not obese. Solis is actually fit and fast he runs a lot - but we do want to bring his weight down because we feel he doesn’t need to carry that excess weight for guys like the Klitschko’s. But I will tell you he’s certainly not what I would call a fat heavyweight.

Pedro: Honestly I don’t worry about his weight. As long as Solis is prepared technically and competitive wise that’s all that matters to me at this point in time. As far as his weight goes Solis has been working hard on trimming down. He’s looking good.

Does Solis have any future opponents in mind saying he get’s passed Barrett?

Pedro: Well we are only concentrating on Monte Barrett for now. Of course after this fight we are willing to fight anybody.

What is your fight plan to trying to beat Barrett?

Pedro: Monte Barrett is a great boxer, and he’s fought some good fights. We never under-estimate any opponent. However Solis is very prepared therefore we expect him to do very well.

Muchas gracias Russ and Pedro I wish you and Solis all the best on Saturday!

Pedro: No problem Ivan but before I go I want to say one last thing. It’s been a long time since the heavyweight division has had much excitement although the Klitschko brothers are great. I believe soon enough Solis will become a proud heavyweight champion for the Latino community. We want Solis to be a champion not only for Cuba but also to represent the U.S and the entire Latino community!

Russ: Anytime LatinoPorVida! Hasta llego (Until Next Time) Ivan!

e-mail Ivan Montiel