Conor Benn main events in Manchester tonight
(Getty Images)
Conor Benn will put his unbeaten record and WBA Continental welterweight title on the line tonight, as the Briton takes on South Africa’s Chris van Heerden.
The pair will main event at the AO Arena in Manchester as Benn, son of boxing icon Nigel, attempts to move closer to a marquee match-up at 147lbs. Last time out, the 25-year-old Benn stopped Chris Algieri in the fourth round in November, improving his record to 20-0 (13 knockouts). Van Heerden, meanwhile, fought to a No Contest against Jaron Ennis due to a cut to the South African’s head from an accidental headbutt. That bout took place in December 2020, so the 32-year-old Van Heerden (28-2-1, 12 KOs) will likely have to overcome some ring rust as well as hostile fans if he is to beat Benn.
Benn said this week: “I believe I’m ready for a world title now. I’m ready for the top dogs now. The proof is in the pudding, it’s not like I’m going to beat a domestic fighter and going, ‘Yeah, I’m world level.’”
Follow live, round-by-round updates from Conor Benn vs Chris van Heerden and the undercard fights this evening.
1650138837Benn vs Van HeerdenHatton vs Gregores – Round 1
A very aggressive start from Hatton, who flings out one-twos and vicious hooks to the body.
He’s storming forward.
Gregores, 28, looks to be breathing heavily already.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:53
1650138744Benn vs Van HeerdenNext up, Campbell Hatton – son of British boxing icon Ricky – faces Ezequiel Gregores at lightweight.
Twenty-one-year-old Hatton is 6-0, 2 KOs, while Argentinian Gregores is 3-9.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:52
1650137916Benn vs Van HeerdenAlycia Baumgardner def. Edith Soledad Matthysse via unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-90).
A shutout victory for Baumgardner on all three judges’ scorecards. The American retains her super-featherweight belts with ease!
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:38
1650137729Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 10
Baumgardner spends most of the round head-hunting but targets her challenger’s body late in the round.
We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards, with the American’s first title defence looking like a successful one.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:35
1650137552Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 9
Matthysse shows great heart to keep coming forward, and produces her best round in a while. Still, the talk from Baumgardner’s corner is of a “shutout”. It’s likely in all honesty.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:32
1650137375Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 8
At this point, it’s really just a matter of whether Baumgardner can find a finish. She’s landed at 37 per cent accuracy to Matthysse’s 14 per cent through seven rounds.
Baumgardner presses forward, pumping out her jab. She is caught on the end of a left hook, but lands one in return.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:29
1650137191Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 7
Spiteful body hooks from Baumgardner, who then hops on the spot, light on her feet.
Matthysse is resilient but, at 41, that sturdiness has to be degrading by the round.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:26
1650136996Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 6
Matthysse keeps walking onto punches. This time it’s a well-timed right uppercut from Baumgardner.
The American now jabs to the chest and head, circling as Matthysse follows her.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:23
1650136811Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 5
Terrific work from Baumgardner now, as the American flings hooks at Matthysse, alternating between the head and body.
Matthyse lands a jab but walks onto a stiff right straight in the process.
Again Baumgardner’s hands are low. She digs some hooks into the body of her challenger during a clinch late in the round.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:20
1650136643Benn vs Van HeerdenBaumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 4
Matthysse now tries to lean on Baumgardner a bit to tire out the champion, whose preference is obviously to operate in space.
Baumgardner, with the referee’s help, is able to create enough space throughout the round to do enough work to take another frame.
Alex Pattle16 April 2022 20:17
