Conor Benn has put the boxing world on notice with a terrifying knockout of Chris Algieri in their 147 pound battle, delivering a withering combination that shattered his veteran opponent.
Algieri, 37, was a former welterweight champion who had fought greats of the sport including Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Errol Spence Jr – albeit losing to all three – but was billed as the biggest test of Benn’s career to date.
But the 25-year-old British star made those predictions appear foolish with a fine feint then a textbook one-two, left-right combination in the fourth round that left Algieri crumpled on the floor.
Algieri had hit the canvas already in theatrical style in the second round, though that appeared to be more of a trip than a genuine knockdown, but he could have no complaints about the two brutal shots that landed on his chin two rounds later.
Benn showed remarkable restraint not to deliver a third punch as Algieri toppled slowly to the floor, already out cold.
He declared after the bout: “I put him to sleep and you should not expect anything else. I knew the knockout was coming.”
Benn now moves to 20-0 with his third victory this year, with ‘The Destroyer’ now set for a massive 2022. He called out the winner of Amir Khan and Kell Brook’s upcoming fight, and also named Adrien Broner – who has won world titles across four weights – and WBA champion Yodenis Ugas as potential opponents.
He said: “I silenced all the doubters. The next fight is going to be a test? They’re not tests … It was so frustrating (facing inferior rivals).”
“I hope the yanks now know that number one, I’m the best fighter in Britain. And number two, I’m coming for them.”