Conor Benn crushes Chris van Heerden in second round as high-profile welterweight clashes edge nearer

© Getty Images Conor Benn secures the TKO win against Chris van Heerden

Conor Benn earned an emphatic victory over Chris van Heerden on Saturday night, stopping the South African in the second round to retain the WBA Continental welterweight title.

Benn, son of British boxing icon Nigel, remained unbeaten at 21-0 with the win, the TKO result marking the 14th finish the 25-year-old has secured.

Benn had played down the significance of Van Heerden’s experience and southpaw stance all week, and so it proved that the 34-year-old was unable to trouble his younger opponent in the pair’s Manchester main event.

Although Van Heerden landed some well-timed shots as Benn ducked and weaved in the first round, the Briton was unfazed and pressed forward to connect with more powerful shots than his challenger could muster.

In the second round, Benn continued to back up the South African, throwing numerous feints but remaining out of range.

In a split second, however, Benn closed the distance with a jousting right hand, which marked the beginning of the end of Van Heerden. 

Reference: Independent: Alex Pattle