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.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan
Khatchatryan moving to his left, jabbing upstairs and down.
Cordina now on the front foot and ripping shots into the body with the Belgian on the ropes.
Good activity from Khatchatryan, he puts two and three-punch combinations together, but they’re mostly off the back foot and more an annoyance than placing Cordina in much danger.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan
Cordina looking calm and confident so far through two rounds.
And Katie Taylor is in the house, she’ll be fighting Sharipova after this one and Davies Jr vs Lundy is finished.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan
Joe Cordina is back and takes on unbeaten Belgian Miko Khatchatryan, both fighters are in the ring now.
The WBA Continental super featherweight title is on the line.
Benn vs Algieri: Andy Lee opens up on ‘The Destroyer’
“He’s going to have to pin Algieri down,” Andy
“Algieri can fight off the ropes, he’s got his hands full tonight.
“It’s a phenomenal rise. He works extremely hard, this is the fruits of his labour.
“I won’t be surprised if he loses, if he gets the win it’ll be a good result for him.”
Conor Benn: I believe 2022 is my time to take on world champions
Conor Benn says: “I want to be No 1. What you see is what you get. The minute you start conforming, it's who I am, if you're everybody's cup of tea, you're a mug.
“There's a lot more left for me to prove. I'm knocking on the door for a world title. I believe 2022 is my time to take on world champions. I'm preparing for a prime Chris Algieri.
“It’s going to be a Christmas cracker.”
Peter McGrail: I have the same ability as world champions
“To have my first two fights in Liverpool, a brilliant performance. Everything I've worked on in the gym is coming off. It's a great night for my family.
“I’ve set myself up nicely for a bigger 2022.
“I believe in myself, I have the same ability as world champions, it’s about building up the rounds and experience.
“I believe I could get in with world champions with the right amount of experience.”
Benn vs Algieri undercard: McGrail vs Gomez
A big knockdown, McGrail outclassing Gomez and sends him to the canvas.
Beautiful boxing from the Liverpudlian. The ref saves Gomez from any more damage.
McGrail nicked up on his left eye. That’s his first stoppage as a pro.
A one-two left Gomez flat out on his back.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: McGrail vs Gomez
Here’s Peter McGrail, he walks to the ring to Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight.
He looks confident, this could be one of the stars of the next 10 years in British boxing.
Gomez (8-3-1), fighting out of Nicaragua, will hope to frustrate the Liverpudlian.
Chris Algieri keen to experience English atmosphere, warns Conor Been about stepping up
Chris Algieri says: “Be careful wanting to step up. Everybody thinks they're ready until they're not. I've always wanted to fight in England, I'm looking forward to it.
“It'll be roof coming down kind of stuff. It's an opportunity and a feeling I'm looking forward to.”
Agyarko TKO Larios Jr
Agyarko dished out just enough punishment there and forces the referee to jump in and save Larios Jr.
Might have been a touch early, but the American had no hope of winning.
Good work from the Irishman, tidy finish with some spiteful shots.
A big left forced Larios Jr to stagger into the ropes, nothing much followed up but you could sense the end was near.
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