Jason Quigley: Van Heerden can produce big Benn challenge in Manchester
Published:
Britain’s Conor Benn defends his WBA continental welterweight title against South African Chris van Heerden on Saturday night.
Here, Jason Quigley gives Ladbrokes his thoughts on the bout at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Benn looks too strong for Van Heerden
This is a particularly exciting fight for me as I know both lads. I am actually good friends with Chris, who I have trained with for a number of years in LA. He is probably one of the most dedicated fighters I know. He is always in shape and always in the gym.
One thing you can expect from him, is that he will come into the fight 110% ready to take his opportunity. This is a step up for him, while for Conor Benn, it is more of a stepping stone to becoming a world champion.
🗣 "I'm in the gym all the time because that's where I feel my dad's presence." – @TheHeat001 ❤️#BennVanHeerden pic.twitter.com/E9OubfWLdC
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 12, 2022
I think everything is in Conor Benn’s favour. He is looking unbelievable. He has improved massively in every single fight he has had and I think he is coming on leaps and bounds. He has the right attitude, the right focus and the right dedication.
I believe this fight will be an exciting one early on. Chris will definitely put it up to Benn. Stylistically, Chris is more of a boxer, whereas Conor can do a bit of both; he can box and fight. I fancy Benn to get the job done inside eight rounds and he will get the stoppage.
Chris will be 100% prepared for this, so Benn should not come into the fight underestimating him. Although, I don’t think that would be in his DNA to do that. I can’t see an upset here.
