ALGIERI ON THE MERSEY

Benn faces veteran in December test in Liverpool

CONOR BENN will continue his welterweight education against 37-year-old Chris Algieri on December 11 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. The New Yorker is the latest fading force to test the 25-year-old Benn, who has beaten Adrián Granados, Samuel Vargas and Sebastian Formella in his last three bouts. Katie Taylor will star on the bill, too, against an opponent yet to be confirmed.

“To headline in a city like Liverpool you need to be in the ring against a world class operator,” said Benn, 19-0 (12). “Chris has done it all, a former [WBO] champion and exactly the opponent I need to gain experience from.

“We expect Algieri to bring his best, but I want him deep in the trenches with me, I want to use this opportunity to display my skills and ability against a quality fighter to step closer to a world title.”

This will be the veteran’s first appearance in a UK ring but his third against a British fighter. He lost on points to Amir Khan in 2015 and, on the undercard of Andy Ruiz Jnr-anthony Joshua in New York, he stopped Tommy Coyle in 2019. His record of 25-3 (9) also includes defeats to Errol Spence Jnr and Manny Pacquiao. In his only contest since stopping Coyle in eight rounds, he defeated Mikkel Lespierre over the 10-round distance in August.

“This has a big fight feel to it,” said Algieri. “The UK has brilliant fans and I’m looking forward to performing in front of those crowds.

“December 11 with be a masterclass with me utilising my deep bag of skills and experience. Benn is hungry and tough but this is a huge step up in class for him. I’m coming to show that it’s not his time yet. I still got the goods and the world will see it once again come fight night.”

The card, which will also showcase Joe Cordina, will be promoted by Matchroom and broadcast by DAZN.