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.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 6
It’s the right side of Sharipova’s face that is reddened, above and under the eye.
She pushes forward but struggles to catch the champion, whose superior speed is on show again.
Sharipova lands a punch as the referee separates the pair from a clinch, and he docks the Kazakhstani a point! Perhaps a bit harsh – a warning might have sufficed.
It fires up Sharipova, who goes on the offensive against Taylor, but the champion stays sharp to land smart counters.
Another left hook to the body by Taylor. Lots of feints, too.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 5
Sharipova with a left hook to the body, then a clinch. The challenger is trying to make it rough.
Uppercuts and hooks from Sharipova in close, but she’s sporting some damage to the face.
Another nice counter left hook from Taylor after the opponents separate. Now a big left hand! The best shot of the fight so far.
Taylor with a great end to the round after a fine start to the frame by Sharipova.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 4
Jab to the body from Sharipova, but Taylor responds with a quick left-right.
A powerful right hand punishes the challenger, then another! Taylor seems to be growing in confidence here.
Sharipova clinches a couple of times, trying to wear down the champion.
The pair separate, and Sharipova catches Taylor with a good counter shoot as the Irishwoman steps in.
“Hands up,” Taylor is told by her corner, as Sharipova steps in late in the round.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 3
An exhibition in clean footwork here from Taylor, who sets up a harsh left hook to the body.
She catches Sharipova with a fierce counter right straight, too, as the challenger steps in!
Taylor maintains her promising start.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 2
A stiff jab from Sharipova after some solid combinations from Taylor, which backed up the Kazakhstani.
A strong right hand from Sharipova now! Taylor hooks to the body then the head off opposite sides.
Nice left straight from the champion. She pushes forward, staying on the front foot.
The Irishwoman has likely taken the first two rounds.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 1
The women trade jabs early, Sharipova going to the body. She looks to string some overhand rights on the end.
Taylor lands a wide left hook, then a slick flurry – a trio of swift strikes! She looks much quicker than her challenger.
Sharipova clinches and lands a nice uppercut in close.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Boos as Sharipova is introduced. Cheers for Taylor.
Ten rounds for the undisputed women’s lightweight championship of the world.
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