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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner 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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner 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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner 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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner 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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner 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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner 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.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 3
Matthysse tries to make things a bit messy, and ends up encouraging Baumgardner to grab hold of her to neutralise the Argentine in the clinch.
Matthysse is warned by the referee for leading with her head, it seems.
Baumgardner is looking a little quicker now, as she exhibits some speed with fast hooks off both wings – a one-two.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 2
Now Matthysse comes forward, though she eats a piercing counter right uppercut from Baumgardner for her trouble.
The American’s hands are low. She’s not the fastest with her punches, though, so it’s not looking like the smartest idea.
As a result, Matthysse is able to graze the champion once or twice. Still, another round for Baumgardner, surely.
Benn vs Van Heerden
Baumgardner vs Matthysse – Round 1
Matthysse, a former unified champion in the weight class below, is slowly backing up early on. She’s got her guard high.
Baumgardner puts together a four-punch combination, which Matthysse largely blocks.
Baumgardner’s speed and timing see her start to slip a couple of grazing shots through on her next attempt.
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