Chris van Heerden proved no match for the devastating Conor Benn in Manchester
(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)Benn vs Van Heerden - LIVE!
Conor Benn delivered another highlight-reel knockout of Chris van Heerden as he took the next step on his route to welterweight stardom.
After a lively and competitive opening round, ‘The Destroyer’ unleashed his devastating power in the second at Manchester’s AO Arena, producing some devastating right hands to finish a one-sided contest inside four minutes.
Fights against the likes of Kell Brook, Adrien Broner, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, David Avanesyan or Mikey Garcia could now await for Benn, who is set for a marquee bout back in London this summer as he eventually eyes a world title shot at 147lbs.
On Saturday’s intriguing undercard, Chris Billam-Smith retained his European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles with an impressive stoppage in an eagerly-anticipated rematch with Tommy McCarthy, while Campbell Hatton continued his professional career with a six-round win over Ezequiel Gregores.
Alycia Baumgardner also successfully defended her WBC and IBO super-featherweight titles for the first time with a dominant win over Edith Soledad Matthysse.
Boxing schedule and results
Conor Benn bt Chris van Heerden
Chris Billam-Smith bt Tommy McCarthy
Campbell Hatton bt Ezequiel Gregores
Alycia Baumgardner bt Edith Soledad Matthysse
Jack Cullen bt Vladimir Belujsky
Jordan Thompson bt Mariano Angel Gudino
Thomas Hart bt Ben Ridings
Luke Evans draw Miguel Cesario Antin
James Metcalf bt Evgenii Vazem
