Solis (17-1, 12 KOs) was a highly decorated amateur, winning the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. In 2006 Solis defected from his native Cuba with two other boxers, including Yuriorkis Gamboa, to have the opportunity to fight as a pro. Solis started out winning his first 17 despite often weighing over 250 pounds, fifty pounds more than his amateur limit. Included in the victories were wins over Monte Barrett and Ray Austin. Solis seemed division.