Conor Benn vs Chris van Heerden LIVE: Fight stream, latest updates and result tonight
Re-live round-by-round updates from the main event and undercard
Conor Benn earned an emphatic victory over Chris van Heerden on Saturday night, stopping the South African in the second round to retain the WBA Continental welterweight title. Benn, son of British boxing icon Nigel, remained unbeaten at 21-0 with the win, the TKO result marking the 14th finish that the 25-year-old has secured.
Benn had played down the significance of Van Heerden’s experience and southpaw stance all week, and so it proved that the 34-year-old was unable to trouble his younger opponent in the pair’s Manchester main event. Although Van Heerden landed some well-timed shots as Benn ducked upon entries in the first round, the Briton was unfazed and pressed forward to connect with more powerful shots than his challenger could muster.
In the second round, Benn continued to back up the South African, throwing numerous feints but remaining out of range. In a split second, however, Benn closed the distance with a jousting right hand, which marked the beginning of the end of Van Heerden. Benn followed the punch with a left uppercut, before a variety of right hands – a hook, uppercut and overhand – sent Van Heerden crashing to the canvas.
The former IBO champion did not come close to answering the count, and the bout was waved off inside the first minute of the second round.
Re-live round-by-round updates from Conor Benn vs Chris van Heerden and the undercard fights, below.
Spence Jr vs Ugas
We’ll have to wait a bit longer for the undercard to fiish.
Spence Jr vs Ugas
T-minus 15 minutes until we expect ring walks to take place for the main event between Spence Jr and Ugas...
Spence Jr vs Ugas
We’re just over an hour away from Spence Jr vs Ugas now.
Odds
Spence: 1/5
Draw: 20/1
Ugas: 10/3
Via Betfair.
Spence Jr vs Ugas
We’re just over two hours from the start of Spence Jr vs Ugas. Here’s a recap of this evening’s card from Manchester:
Conor Benn crushes Chris van Heerden in second round
The Briton remained undefeated and retained the WBA Continental welterweight title in Manchester
Spence Jr vs Ugas
See where Spence Jr ranks in our men’s pound-for-pound list...
Spence Jr vs Ugas
Spence vs Ugas time: When are ring walks in UK and US for tonight’s fight?
All you need to know about the main event and undercard
Spence Jr vs Ugas
Spence vs Ugas live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV
All you need to know about the main event and undercard
Spence Jr vs Ugas
Next up, we’ll be providing live, round-by-round updates of Errol Spence Jr vs Yordenis Ugas.
Spence Jr will look to add another welterweight title to his collection when he goes up against Ugas tonight. The 32-year-old defends the WBC and IBF belts at 147lbs while simultaneously challenging his Cuban opponent for the WBA Super title.
It has been 16 months since Spence Jr competed, with the American having beaten compatriot Danny Garcia via decision in December 2020. That fight took place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where this Saturday’s headline bout will also be staged.
The 35-year-old Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs), meanwhile, last fought in August, outpointing icon Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
The ring walks for this one are expected at around 4am BST, so we’ll be on hand then to provide live coverage. In the meantime, here’s some useful information ahead of the fight...
Benn vs Van Heerden
Full main-event report here:
Conor Benn crushes Chris van Heerden in second round
The Briton remained undefeated and retained the WBA Continental welterweight title in Manchester
Benn vs Van Heerden
Benn says that veteran Kell Brook does not want to fight him, which he takes as a “compliment”.
Eddie Hearn, however, says that Benn vs Brook would be the ideal next fight for the 25-year-old.
Either way, a serious step-up is next for Benn, according to the Matchroom promoter.
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