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Conor Benn: 'The Destroyer' extends winning record to 21 fights with victory over Chris van Heerden

Conor Benn bolsters his case for a world title shot by stopping Chris van Heerden inside two rounds at Manchester's AO Arena on Saturday night to extend his unblemished record to 21-0

Conor Benn celebrates victory after knocking out Chris van Heerden in the World Boxing Association Continental Welter Title bout at the AO Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday April 16, 2022.
Image: Conor Benn celebrates victory after knocking out Chris van Heerden in the WBA Continental Welter Title bout at the AO Arena in Manchester

Conor Benn stopped South African challenger Chris van Heerden with a stunning second-round KO in Manchester on Saturday night.

Benn had been expected to dispose of the experienced South African after producing some impressive performances over the last 18 months.

The 25-year-old welterweight duly delivered by taking out Van Heerden inside four minutes to extend his unblemished record to 21-0.

Conor Benn (left) in action against Chris van Heerden during the World Boxing Association Continental Welter Title bout at the AO Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday April 16, 2022.
Image: Benn (left) in action against Van Heerden

The 34-year-old Van Heerden had not fought since December 2020, but his southpaw stance presented a different challenge to one of British boxing's hottest prospects.

Both men were busy in the opening round and Benn's aggression caused Van Heerden early problems, with strong right and left hands to his opponent's temple.

But the South African settled and started to find his rhythm as the first three minutes drew to a close.

It was a false sense of security, however, as Benn sent a couple of vicious short-range upper cuts through Van Heerden's defence.

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Van Heerden crashed to the canvas and the referee waved the contest off after just 59 seconds of the second stanza.

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