Conor Benn Uses a Big Straight Right to Immobilize Chris Algieri in Four
Conor Benn (20-0, 13KO) is rising fast within the welterweight rankings. He continued his climb after a brutal knockout victory over his first former world champion in Chris Algieri (25-4, 9KO). In the process, he made the sixth defense of the WBA Continental title.
As the son of a legend, the attention Benn garnered early in his career could have once been perceived to be a product of where he came from. However, given he has proven to be a fighter dedicated to his craft, nobody can say he doesn’t deserve the spotlight.
Prior to the bout, Benn maintained the the fifth position with the WBC, WBA and IBF rankings, as well as, the eleventh spot with the WBO. A ten round drubbing of respectable contender Adrian Granados ins September elevated his status. Since, he has asked for match-ups with multi-divisional champion Adrien Broner and former junior welterweight champ Amir Khan. Unfortunately, neither materialized.
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Although Algieri is three years removed from forty years of age, this is still a good win off the strength of the name being ranked and recognizable. He won his last four bouts and hadn’t lost since facing unified welterweight champ Errol Spence in 2016. Albeit, he had a pair of two year layoffs along the way, the former WBO junior welterweight champion managed to secure the tenth position in the WBO welterweight rankings.
Benn could definitely be knocking on the door for a world title shot soon. Of course, that is if he wants it!
EASY WORK!
Not much can be said at what Algieri was trying to do in this fight. With only nine knockouts in twenty-five wins, it was clear what kind of game-plan he would bring. Box behind the jab and keep moving! Yes, the jab was still working for him but the thirty-seven year old showed his age through his footwork.
Meanwhile, Benn could have elected to run through the shots to land his own similar to what Spence did five years prior before stopping in five rounds. Early on, he did this while digging huge hooks to the body. However, it seemed the twenty-five year old wanted to show more of his ability to box. By out-boxing the pure boxer, there would be no question about his versatility.
Benn was successful in doing just that. He displayed good upper-body and head movement and methodically walked the boxer down behind his own jab. Digging to the body to keep his opponent from moving around was the plan but openings were presented by the aging fighter. Anytime Benn feinted, the jitteriness of Algieri showed as he bit each time.
SLEEP TIME!
Then in round four, the feinting would pay off. After beating his opponent to the jab and constantly backing him up, Benn puts Algieri’s back on the ropes. He then feints, shoots the jab to setup a straight right hand down the pipe. SUCCESS and down goes the former champion!
Algieri went to sleep on the way down. The referee still administered the ten count but it was evident he would not be returning to his feet for at least a couple more minutes.
Afterwards, Benn made no mistake in calling for the bigger fights like he has been. He mentioned he wanted the winner of Kell Brook vs Amir Khan in February 2022. If he couldn’t get that, he would like to face Broner or current WBA “super” champion Yordenis Ugas! At this point, it is time for Benn to get a bigger name in the ring!
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By: EJ Williams
