Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri LIVE: Result and latest updates and reaction
Follow all the fallout from an evening of fights at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena
Conor Benn secured a statement knockout win over Chris Algieri on Saturday night, finishing the American late in the fourth round to retain his WBA Continental welterweight title.
The victory in Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena also saw 25-year-old Benn, son of boxing icon Nigel, extend his unbeaten run to 20-0 (13 KOs). Algieri, a former WBO junior welterweight champion, returned to the ring in August after two years out, and the 37-year-old looked somewhat tentative on Saturday night despite staying light on his feet throughout. Although the American raced to the centre of the ring at the start of the main event, which followed Katie Taylor’s points win against Firuza Sharipova, he was soon backed up by Benn.
The Briton quickly established what would be his predominant tactic, firing off hooks to the body. In the end, however, it would be a one-two to the jaw that sent Algieri lolloping to the canvas with two seconds left in the fourth round. “I silenced all the doubters,” Benn said after the fight. “‘The next fight is going to be a test?’ They’re not tests. Nobody has done that to Algieri. What more do I have to do? I’m a top, world-level athlete. I didn’t expect nothing else. 2022, listen, [Amir] Khan or [Kell] Brook. Business is business, I’ll have the winner. We’ll fight [Adrien] Broner in America. If he don’t want it, I fancy [Yordenis] Ugas.”
Re-live updates from Benn vs Algieri and the entire undercard, below.
“I think the next step is a world title contender, and that’s David Avanesyan,” says Bellew.
“It’s the perfect opponent.”
Lee: “The winner of Khan or Brook, that’s massive!
“He’s young, he can wait!”
Bellew clarifies: “Ennis and Ortiz, these are naughty people, you don’t go near them. I think Avanesyan, he beats him right now.
“I don’t think David can keep him off him.
Bellew: “The perfect next fight is Avanesyan. I think he beats him off that performance.
“He’s so dangerous and explosive. The way to beat him is to match him.
“He won’t slow down. I only see two people beating him, they are Errol Spence and Terence Crawford.
“Maybe Ugas because he’s big.”
Conor Benn: “2022, listen, Khan or Brook. Business is business, I’ll have the winner.
“We’ll fight Broner in America, if he don’t want it, I fancy Ugas.
“Liverpool massive!”
Tony Sims: “He grafts hard in the gym, more to come.
“He won’t stop until he gets it right.
“The audience was clapping for his defensive movements. He’s got everything in his locker.
“He’s still improving. I’m excited about the journey.”
Eddie Hearn: “It wasn’t just the win, it was the performance.
“The job is to position him for a world title fight in the most difficult division in boxing.
“Let’s get him ready to swim with the sharks.
“It was everything, he’s a well-rounded fighter and a start. He’ll box all over the world.
“He deserves a lot of credit. He’s stepping out of those shadows. He’ll be welterweight world champion in 2022.”
Nigel Benn on his son: “You’re not in my shadow. After tonight, I watched him do 12 four-minute rounds, sparring, altitude training.
“He ticked every single box.
“Unbelievable, he’s going all the way.”
Conor Benn: I silenced all the doubters
Conor Benn: “I silenced all the doubters. The next fight is going to be a test?
“They’re not tests. Every time I say they’re not, it’s confidence. Nobody has done that to Algieri.
“What more do I have to do?
“I’m a top world level athlete. I didn’t expect nothing else. I work extremely hard.
“If they want to come and have a fight. That’s what happens. Granados didn’t come to win.
“It was so frustrating. I hope the yanks now, I’m coming for them.”
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