| Conor Benn:“People aren’t giving van Heerden a chance here which surprises me. For people to be saying, ‘why’s he fighting van Heerden?’, that’s a backhanded compliment really. They are trying not to show me respect but really they are because you wouldn’t have put me in this position two years ago, three years ago, four years ago. So, it doesn’t really matter what people think at the end of the day because progression is real. “I love challenges. I thrive off of challenges, so do all fighters. We are all competitive and we love to compete and this is a challenge. This is a different type of challenge that I am prepared and will overcome with flying passing colours. “I’m going to go in if I see an opportunity. I’ll take it. “I knocked out Algieri out like no one else has. I’m going to knock Van Heerden out like no one else has. I believe that passion and hard work can get you anywhere. “It’s not emotion, I just fight with passion. I work extremely hard and it ain’t just me working hard. It’s six years of sacrifice to let a moment like this slip between my fingers.” Chris van Heerden:“All respect for Conor for giving me this opportunity. I have nothing but respect for him. I am ready for this. I have visualised this moment… I was supposed to fight in the UK a couple of times… It was always a dream and a vision. I have what it takes to be in that top 10. I see it. I didn’t come here for paycheck. I didn’t come here to get a fight. I came here for my career. I came here to win and get my career back on track and get back in that top 10. I do believe in myself, and I do believe that I have everything it takes to get right back up there. “I respect Conor Benn and I believe he is right up there with the best and that is why I took this fight. I want to be competitive and if you talk about boxing, I do believe I am a better boxer than Conor, all around better boxer. He’s an angry, aggressive fighter. He’s a fighter. I’m a boxer. And I do believe that I have the skill to show that I am a better boxer than Conor. “I was offered a bunch of other fights, way easier fights. But I believe that Conor is right up there, and I am there to test him and see if he’s really, really legit. “I just wish my dad was here because we spoke about this moment for a long time. I left him for eight years, every birthday, every Christmas, chasing this dream. And then my dad was brutally murdered three years ago. But we did it and we are here. So, I feel it. This is it.” Chris Billam-Smith:“It was a good fight last time but for me this is giving me the opportunity to put this to bed and prove my performance can be so much better than it was last time. And, I have proved that in camp. I will put on a superb performance on Saturday night. “Now I know the ways to get around him and get the knockout.” Tommy McCarthy:“The last fight was so close and I’m so happy to get the rematch so we can set the record straight and get the win again… He may have to cancel Bournemouth because I am winning this on Saturday night. “As long as I win on Saturday night, that is all that I’m focused on. It is a must win. And I have to stay concentrated on it. I am fully focused. “He did it the gentlemanly way and gave me a shot (of rematch) when he didn’t have to give me one. There was so much controversy with the first one. The respect is earned and I don’t have any ill feelings especially because the fight we had was one of the fights of the year. “As long as we are in the ring throwing shots, I need to be switched on.” Alycia Baumgardner: “I’m more than ready. As you know, I love to fight. I stayed in the gym to stay ready. What builds a fighter are these experienced fighters. I know she’s a fighter and she’s well-seasoned. It tells me that she’s never been stopped before, so I know what’s important and I know what I need to do come Saturday night. “You will see a dominating performance even if it goes the distance, you will see a seasoned fighter – you know just a different calibre of who I am. We want the knockout, and the power is real.”I will be undisputed at 130 pounds. I believe it and I’ve received it. I understand who I am as a fighter. That fight with Mayer is a big fight for women’s boxing and as we continue to grow the sport, we will continue to build in the sport.” Edith Soledad Matthysse:“I’ve accumulated a lot of experience and it’s very important in my game. I’ve come here to win and I’m hoping to clock up a win on Saturday not only for me but also for my country, Argentina. “Saturday, I hope to be leaving here victorious.” Jack Cullen:“Last fight was in the bag, but it was what it was. I’ve shook it off. I’ve gotten over it through Christmas and I’m back training hard. He wants to knock me out so it’s going to be a belting fight. “The game plan is to box and do what I do best. We will get through this, flying colours and hopefully see a rematch once we get past this, no injuries.” Vladimir Belujsky:“I’ve been watching Jack for the last two or three years and I’ve always fancied his fights. I was hoping to get this fight. “I know the plan on Saturday night and I’m looking forward to it. “All that’s on my mind right now is to knock him out. There’s nothing else I’m going into the ring with. Just to knock him out and get him out of there.”Campbell Hatton:“This weekend is my opportunity to box in front of my friends and family. Since I started the sport, people have been desperate to get behind me and now is the time. “We went away to Spain and there was no pressure on me at all. It was about going in there and concentrating on the job, relaxing and settling down.” Jordan Thompson:“I think he (Gudino) is going to pose a few different looks… I think I’ve just got to go out there and enjoy myself. And again, I’ll put on another display or artistic violence. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and putting on a show for the fans. “I believe in myself. I know what I’m capable of. Those who know me know what I’m capable of. For me, it’s about when the opportunity comes, you’ve got to be ready for it and take it. Which I’m sure I will be and when the time comes, I’m sure it will be special.” Mario Angel Gudino:“I’ve been taking up experiences around Europe. I’ve been in Belgium and Norway on my journey here. Come Saturday, it’s a great opportunity for me to extend that experience and hopefully take away a victory.” Cyrus Pattinson:“I know he’s very durable. I’ve not really stopped since April last year, no longer than a week off from the gym. It’s about building up momentum, getting through every fight. And I think that’s when you’ll see the best Cyrus Pattinson. “It’s all about getting the rounds in. Going from three rounds straight in Essex, it’s a big jump going to eight… I obviously want to get to that level to start competing for titles.” Thomas Whittaker-Hart:“I’m happy that I’m out again and I can build on the momentum. I just want to keep busy and keep fighting… I can push on and keep looking for a title. I want to keep fighting and keep progressing to different levels. I am happy. “I’m coming to win. I’ve had a lot of experience in the amateur game. I’m used to people commenting on it. You will see more skills. I’m happy about it and I’m looking forward to the fight and putting on a great performance.” Luke Evans:“I’m absolutely buzzing to be here… Manchester Arena, it’s what every kid dreams of when you come from Manchester. I’m just from down the road in Salford. Done a lot of tickets like you said. It’s just a very proud moment for myself coming from the small hall scene. This is my opportunity to take on the big stage and I have to take advantage of that. “This is what dreams are made of. This is my opportunity and I’ve got to seize the moment. Most importantly, I’ve just got to enjoy it. “In boxing, it’s a funny old game. You never know where you’re going to be or where you’re going to end up. So, I’ve got to take full advantage of this opportunity.” James Metcalf:“It’ll be good to get out again ahead of the big one in Spain next month.”The best James Metcalf can win this fight, definitely.” |
Tag: Chris Van Heerden
BENN MEETS VAN HEERDEN ON APRIL 16
| ‘The Destroyer’ takes on ‘The Heat’ in Manchester |
| Conor Benn will defend his WBA Continental Welterweight Title against South Africa’s Chris Van Heerden at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday April 16, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia). ‘The Destroyer’ (20-0, 13 KOs) secured a stunning knockout win over former World Champion Chris Algieri last time out in December, taking out the American with a brutal right hand in the fourth round of their top of the bill clash at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. The 25-year-old contender from Essex holds top ten rankings with the WBA, WBO and IBF after notching three wins during a breakout 2021 – and the British star believes that 2022 will be an even bigger year for him as he works towards a World Title shot. ‘The Heat’ (28-2-1, 12 KOs), born in Johannesburg, South Africa, previously held the IBO Welterweight World Title from 2011 until 2013, beating Kaizer Mabuza, Sebastian Andres Lujan and Matthew Hatton during his Title reign. Now residing in Santa Monica, California, USA the 34-year-old southpaw is eager to test himself against one of the fastest rising Welterweights in world boxing and should provide valuable rounds having only been stopped once by Errol Spence in 32 fights. A huge undercard sees Bournemouth’s European Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (14-1, 10 KOs) rematch Belfast’s former champion Tommy McCarthy (18-3, 9 KOs) following their epic back and forth battle at the Matchroom HQ last summer. ‘The Gentleman’ withstood a late fightback from McCarthy as he edged out a narrow split points decision to add the British and European Cruiserweight Titles to his Commonwealth Title, before defending his EBU crown with a points win over Dylan Bregeon in Sheffield. Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (27-1, 16 KOs) looks to build on his impressive IBF World Title Eliminator win over Australia’s Bruno Tarimo on the Parker vs. Chisora 2 undercard when he challenges European Champion Faroukh Kourbanov (19-3, 3 KOs) – a former opponent of Joe Cordina. Hard hitting Cruiserweight talent Jordan Thompson (12-0, 10 KOs) has scored two big first round knockouts since putting pen to paper on a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last June, and the 28-year-old from Manchester will be out to impress his home fans again as he works towards his first Title shot in 2022. Hyde Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (6-0, 2 KOs) quickly returns to action after earning the best win of his career over Joe Ducker last month, Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (20-3-1, 9 KOs) aims to bounce back from his stoppage loss to Kevin Lele Sadjo in December and Alnwick Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (3-0, 1 KO) hopes to make it two wins from two fights in 2022. “I’m excited to step into the ring with Chris Van Heerden,” said Benn. “Van Heerden is a tough operator and a southpaw who will be in there giving it his all in every round. For me and my team it’s now about fighting every style that we can face as we continue to head towards World Championship status and Van Heerden brings something different to the table than I’ve not faced before. “With that being said this is another stepping stone for me on my journey to the top, I haven’t seen anything in Van Heerden’s previous fights that I can’t deal with, and I expect another explosive victory on April 16. If he comes to fight or he wants to box, I can deliver that smoke either way! The AO Arena has to be one of the most exciting venues to fight in. I love Manchester. I get shown a lot of love and support up in Manchester – it’s a fighting city. I bring the entertainment every time I fight and I can’t wait for April 16.” “Sometimes it takes 10 years for that one year to come around that completely changes your life,” said Van Heerden. “This is my year. I want to thank Conor Benn for taking the fight, knowing that I’m coming to beat him in his backyard. I also want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for taking this risk and my manager Peter Kahn for getting this fight done. I am looking forward to putting on a show in Manchester on DAZN.” “Conor Benn is fast becoming one of the biggest stars in British Boxing and he faces by far the toughest test of his career to date when he takes on Chris Van Heerden in Manchester on April 16,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Van Heerden has mixed at the very highest level and faced fearsome Welterweight ‘Boots’ Ennis last time out before the fight was ruled a no contest due to a clash of heads – he always comes to fight, and I expect a gruelling battle for Conor. We are building an action-packed card and already announce the rematch of one of the Fight of the Year contender between Chris Billam-Smith and Tommy McCarthy and local star Zelfa Barrett challenges for the European Title. I expect another blistering statement from Conor Benn live worldwide on DAZN.” “We are excited to welcome back one of the brightest prospects in boxing, Conor Benn, to the platform when he takes on former IBO Welterweight Champion Chris Van Heerden on April 16,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “This is another huge test for Conor as he continues his quest to capture a World Title in 2022. We pride ourselves in having the best schedule in boxing, and with the announce of this matchup in April and early May you will see Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, GGG, Taylor vs. Serrano and Conor all fighting live on DAZN.” Tickets are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP). FightPass tickets will be available to purchase for Matchroom Boxing FightPass members from midday on Thursday March 10 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com) General Sale tickets will be available to purchase from midday on Friday March 11 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and the AO Arena (www.ao-arena.com). |
