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 def. Sharipova
“She definitely wasn’t tougher than expected – we were definitely well aware of the challenge.
“We were prepared for a tough fight. She was very scrappy inside, it was hard to get [punches] off.
“Still undisputed, still undefeated, so I can’t complain.”
Taylor def. Sharipova
There you have it! Taylor wins on points by a pretty comfortable margin on each of the scorecards.
A smart and at times slick showing from the champion, though Sharipova was gutsy throughout.
Taylor def. Sharipova
Katie Taylor def. Firuza Sharipova via unanimous decision (98-92, 97-92, 96-93).
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 10
Sharipova knows she needs a finish and comes forward with a flurry of punches!
Now Taylor responds, but Sharipova grabs her and hangs on.
They separate. Stiff right hand from the champion jars the head of Sharipova as the challenger enters again.
Sharipova tries to pour it on, but Taylor’s head movement is too slick! She fires off strong counters.
The bell sounds, and Taylor will surely remain champion despite a gutsy effort from Sharipova...
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 9
More of the same in this round as Sharipova struggles to get her range right.
Taylor ends the frame with a nice one-two while moving forward, snapping back the head of her challenger.
One more round to go.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 8
Slick jab by Taylor, at the request of her corner.
Sharipova hasn’t quite got her range right, firing out right straights but just missing.
She lands a few shots as Taylor shells up. Good head movement by Taylor to roll under a punch, though, before clinching and landing two right hooks to the head.
More of the same shot by Taylor as the round ends.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 7
Some more decent work from Sharipova in the clinch, but she’s still suffering at range.
Taylor is punishing the challenger for somewhat naive, linear entries, landing more good counter shots.
Sharipova lands a one-two *just* after the bell.
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