Rafael Solis (boxer)

Rafael Solis De Jesus (born 29 January 1958, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico)^[1] is a former junior lightweight boxer from Puerto Rico. He was raised in the barrio of Camito. Rafael trained at the Caimito Gym, and also frequented the Bairoa Gym.

Solis is the brother of Enrique Solis, Santos Solis and former world bantamweight champion Julian Solís.^[1] He is the son of Jose Julian Solis and Gloria De Jesus.^[2]

Solis had a successful boxing career, fighting in many Latin American countries, such as Venezuela, Dominican Republic and others.

On October 2, 1982, Solis won the Fecarbox (Central American Professional Boxing Federation) super featherweight title, knocking out Aquilino Asprilla in the 6th round.^[3] On November 18, 1983, he challenged Héctor Camacho for the WBC's world Jr. Lightweight title. In what was the second time two Puerto Rican fighters fought each other for a world title^[1] (the first time was Benitez vs. Santos in 1981), Solis lost to Camacho by knockout in round five at Roberto Clemente Coliseum.^[4][5]

Solis last boxed in 1995 and retired with a record of 30 wins (20 by knockout), 13 losses (11 by knockout), and 2 draws.^[6]