For must fans the key Heavyweight was in Turkey of all places as former amateur star Odlanier Solis (20-2, 13) was finally punished for being lazy and lacking discipline. Solis, fighting against veteran Tony Thompson (39-4, 26), was simply out worked by the 42 year old "Tiger" who scored his third upset in 4 fights. Although Solis's skills were obvious his desire to win wasn't there and although the bout was officially a "split decision" there was no argument over who had deserved the victory.
Prior to the Solis/Thompson bout there were two other Heavyweight bouts on the show. The first of those was a nothing contest as the gigantic but useless Bugra Horus (0-1) quit after a round against Goga Abuladze (16-5, 10). Abuladze landed at will through the first round and Horus said he wanted no more.
The second Heavyweight bout on the show was much better, though it was controversial. It featured the unbeaten Agit Kabayel (10-0, 7) taking a very narrow split decision over the always testing Gbenga Oloukun (18-10, 11). The bout was scored a split decision to Kabayel though many would feel that Oloukun was jobbed. At 21 Kabayel has got real potential and this bout should do him more good than bad, though his record should now be 9-1 in all honesty.
Although Turkey had most of the notable action there was actually a few other fights spread through Europe. One of those really put a smile on our face and that was because Jamie Hearn (11-7-1, 5) managed to stop the shamed Larry Olubamiwo (10-6, 9) inside a round. Anyone who follows this site will be aware that we are disgusted by the fact Olubamiwo can fight as a professional after his multiple drug issues so to see him beaten like this is simply wonderful. Jamie Hearn you deserve a medal!
The other European fight saw Franck Acho (1-0, 1) stopping Wilfried Hoareau (0-2) in the fourth round of a contest in France.
The first bout of the day was in Autralia where Paul Samways (2-1, 2) stopped Kingsley Enedehge (1-4) in the second round. Although it was a small profile bout it was still a good way to kick off the day.
Despite the highest profile bout taking place in Turkey the US did have more than it's share of action with numerous fights across a range of shows. The highest profile of these wasn't anywhere near the signifiance of the Thompson/Solis bout unfortunately still there was interest there.
These US bouts included the fourth meeting between Sonya Lamonakis (9-1-2, 1) and Tiffany Woodard (4-8-3, 3). For the third time in four meeting Lamonakis came out on top and asa result claimed the vacant New York female Heavyweight title. Unfortunately whilst Sonya is one of the top female fighters in the division there is really very little competition out there and the only bout that really makes sense is a rematch with Martha Salazar.
Whilst Lamonakis did what was expected of her we've got to admit that we were very shocked by the fact that the unbeaten Darlington Agha (9-0-1, 6) was held to a draw by Jamal Woods (4-11-3, 4). Tis contest was a rematch of a bout that took place 9 months ago, in the first meeting Agha dominated and it appears that this time he simply didn't bother turning up. Unfortunately the draw is likely to cost him big time with his record now marked up.
On a third US show with Heavyweight action Brett Murphy (1-0, 1) kicked off his career with a stoppage over John Moxey (2-3, 1) whilst Mahmoud Abu-Ria (2-0) took a decision over the huge Pat Quinn (0-2) who weighed in at a rotund 360lbs.