Odlanier Solis has sustained serious knee injuries in his first-round knockout defeat by WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Cuban was taken to hospital, where a scan revealed tears to his anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus, as well as cartilage damage in his right knee.
The crowd in Cologne was disappointed by the 179 second bout, and booed and whistled for several minutes after it ended.
Klitschko said he’s "sorry for the spectators. I don’t fight for me, I fight for them."
The 39-year-old Ukrainian had delivered a right to Solis’ left temple, when the Cuban wobbled back and fell on his back before clutching his knee.
It was Solis’ first defeat in 18 pro fights.
Klitschko improved to 42-2.
