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.
Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri
Round 2
Benn on the front foot right away. He slides a jab between Algieri’s high guard.
The pair step in at the same time, and Benn lands a mean right hook to the body.
Algieri is still light on his feet, bouncing up and down. Benn stays patient and this time lands a left hook to the body as his opponent finally comes forward.
Those hooks to the body are the go-to for Benn at the moment, but he now lands a left hand to the head of Algieri.
The challenger is beginning to look a little uncertain...
Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri
Round 1
Algieri with a winging right hook to the head, but Benn avoids the next shot with a roll to his left, followed by a nasty left hook to the body.
Algieri again targets the head, but Benn is undeterred. He pushes forward, while Algieri skips about.
A nice step-in left hook to the body by Algieri late in the round.
Benn 10-9 Algieri.
Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri
Round 1
Algieri races to the centre of the ring!
Benn quickly backs him up, however, firing off a jab to the body then straight to the head.
Algieri loops to his right as he looks to make space, but Benn quickly closes range. He again drives Algieri back, and appears to hurt the challenger with a body shot...
Another good body shot, a left hook, and Algieri is breathing pretty heavily already.
Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri
The fighter introductions have been made, the crowd in Liverpool are ready... here we go!
Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri
Here comes Benn, he’s whipping in shots as he shadow boxes towards the ring.
Algieri waits in the ring, in an Argentina home jersey.
“He hasn’t faced somebody that can keep coming and push him back for 12 rounds,” says Bellew.
“You have to be very careful after four or five rounds.
“Can you adapt? Can you adjust? Algieri can, he can adjust his game plan. You need those qualities to be a world champion.
“Is Algieri still dangerous? Algieri is a force to be reckoned with.
“If Algieri comes through four or five rounds, he’s dangerous and has huge amounts of ambition.”
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano set for MSG next April
Eddie Hearn confirms a contract has been sent to Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions for the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano fight.
He expects that fight to be at Madison Square Garden next April.
Serrano needs to beat Miriam Gutierrez next week on the Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley undercard in Tampa Bay.
Katie Taylor: The Amanda Serrano fight is the biggest fight in female boxing
“It’s the biggest fight in female boxing,” says Katie Taylor.
“It’s a privilege to fight there, at MSG, the biggest fight in the most iconic stadium.
“It’s beyond a dream!”
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