Welterweight Conor “The Destroyer” Benn (21-0, 14 KOs), currently rated #5 by all four major sanctioning bodies, lived up to his nickname by annihilating Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (28-3-1, 12 KOs) in less than two rounds on Saturday night at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. Benn hurt southpaw van Heerden with a right hand, then blasted him down to the canvas to end it at :59. Benn, the son of former world champion Nigel Benn, retained his WBA Continental title.
European cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (15-1, 11 KOs) scored an eight round KO over former champion Tommy McCarthy (18-4, 9 KOs). Last year Billam-Smith beat McCarthy by split decision. This time he left no doubt, laying out McCarthy with a barrage of punches. Time was 1:28. Billam-Smith is rated IBF #3, WBO #3, WBA #5, WBC #8.
Lightweight Campbell Hatton (7-0, 2 KOs), son of former champion Ricky Hatton, outpointed Ezequiel Gregores (3-10, 0 KOs) over six rounds. Scored 60-54.
WBC female super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision against Edith Matthysse (17-12-1, 1 KOs), who failed to make weight. Scores were 100-90 3x.
“Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver” Jack Cullen (20-3-1, 9 KOs), now campaigning as a light heavyweight, won an 80-72 eight round shutout against Vladimir Belujsky (12-3-1, 8 KOs).
Benn Will be a ready for the top 10 next year in this loaded Division of Welterweight
Benn – Avanesyan now?
Avanesyan needs to raise his profile and not be signed to FW
I’d like to see it happen. But they won’t put Benn in with Avanesyan, Avanesyan would destroy the destroyer.
I told you Van Heerden was shot lol
Agreed. Heerden looked like a sparring partner in there stiff legged, arm punching, and so late getting his punches off. Simply target practice for Benn. Benn is improving and still finding his niche in the ring. Benn was using a lot of wasted energy in there till he settled down in his groove.
Benn needs serious defense and attacking adjustments, time is on his side. This kid is in route to be a great fighter, being his amazing aggressiveness something especial, exciting.
Note to the boxing world. Stay away from Benn and Prograis!
Benn is ready for the top guys at 147. I think him and Boots would be fun.
Well done Benn!!
Love to see him fight Broner, Thurman or Porter next.
Porter might be the more realistic option, since the other 2 are Al Haymon fighters.
Porter retired.
Vs Vergil
Benn is doing his best impression of young Mike Tyson. This should work well for him until he runs into an opponent who punches just as hard and/or knows how to box well enough to neutralize Benn’s shots while outboxing him.
I told you all Benn in 2!
This one you got it right Roy lol !