That’s what you call making a statement.
Conor Benn, facing one of his biggest tests, stopped Chris Algieri with two seconds left in the fourth round of a 12-round tie scheduled for Saturday in Liverpool, England. .
Only Errol Spence Jr was able to knock down the 140-pound former champion before Benn flipped.
Benn (20-0, 13 KOs) dominated the round before the knockout, fighting after his jab to deliver power punches to both the head and body for little in return.
Algieri (25-4.9 KOs) landed a few punches but spent most of his time covering and trying his best to move out of danger.
Then, with Algieri’s back against the rope, Benn fended off a feeble stab from the American with his left and then right hand that aimed at Algieri’s chin and sent him tumbling onto the canvas.
Conor Benn watched Chris Algieri plunge off the canvas. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
There is no reason for referee Bob Williams to count; Algeria is out.
Benn celebrated immediately after the game ended but took a more somber stance when he realized that Algieri was still standing on his back a minute or two after stoppage time.
When Algieri finally regained consciousness and stood up, Benn was able to enjoy his victory in earnest.
“I didn’t expect anything else,” Benn said. “I work extremely hard and I know that the knockout stages are coming. I said the same thing about [Samuel] Vargas. I knew the knockout was coming.
“… I hope the Yanks know that I’m the best boxer in England, number 1. And, number 2, I’m here for them.”
That said, neither Benn nor his promoter Eddie Hearn appear to be in a hurry given his limited experience. He has only 20 reported amateur fights.
Benn mentioned the possibility of intrigue facing the winner of the fight Kell Brook-Amir Khan on February 19 or the 147-pound janitor Adrian Broner.
And Hearn, interviewed while standing next to Benn after the battle, did not give any names but he clearly wants to avoid title holders like Spence and Terence Crawford for the time being as Benn continues to develop. develop.
“The job was to position him for a world title fight in the toughest and most dangerous division in boxing,” says Hearn. “147 pounds. No easy belts, no easy fights over the top.
“It was about getting him ready and making sure he was completely ready… to swim with the sharks.”
Benn has a close supporter to him who believes the sky is the limit.
“This is a fight where Conor has gone his own way,” said Nigel Benn, his father and former world champion. “He is no longer in my shadow. … Unbelievable, unbelievable. He is going all the way. ”
