体坛英语新闻：Ukrainian president hails Klitschko's heavyweight title defense

KIEV, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych congratulated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Vitali Klitschko with a confident victory in his title defense bout last week in Germany.

"Dr. Ironfist" Klitschko (42-2, 39 KOs) defended his WBC belt against Cuba's Odlanier Solis on Saturday in Cologne with a first round KO.

"I sincerely congratulate you with victory in the bout against Cuba's Odlanier Solis. I am convinced that this success is a considerable contribution to other achievements of national boxing and an example to follow for many Ukrainian athletes," Yanukovych said.

Mandatory challenger "La Sombra" Solis (17-1, 12 KOs) suffered his first career defeat after judges decided to stop the bout in the first round due to a knee injury of the Cuban, disappointing a sell-out crowd of over 19,000 spectators at the Lanxess Arena.

On the third minute of the first round, Klitschko delivered a short right-hand blow to the temple of the 2004 Olympic Champion causing him to wobble and then fall, twisting his knee.