CONOR BENN will face Chris Van Heerden, former IBO welterweight champion in Manchester on April 16.
Rumours had circulated that Kell Brook would be facing Eddie Hearn in a bout. Brook was offered an all-English matchup.
Benn will be back in action in April
After Brook claimed that he was asking for PS10million to fight him, Benn said the bout was 'out'.
Instead, the 25-year old will take on Van Heerden, a South African slugger, at the AO Arena next week.
Benn will be fighting for his WBA continental title at welterweight. He hopes to improve on his 20-0 record.
Van Heerden will be his opponent. Van Heerden has been stopped in 32 of his 32 fights only by Errol Spence Jr., unified welterweight champion.
Benn spoke out about the fight and said that it was now about fighting all styles as we head towards World Championship status. Van Heerden brings something new to the table, which is something I have never faced before.
"With that being stated, this is another stepstone for me on the journey to the top. I haven’t seen anything in Van Heerden’s previous fights I can’t deal with and I expect another explosive win on April 16.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100s of Games to Play and No Deposit Required"If he is interested in boxing or fighting, I can deliver the smoke either way!"
Benn fought his last fight in December. He won a thrilling knockout victory over Chris Algieri, former world champion in Liverpool.
Van Heerden, an ex-world champion, boasts a 28-2-1 career record.
According to Hearn, Benn will face the toughest test in his career with the California-based southpaw.
Hearn, Matchroom chairman, stated that Conor Benn was fast becoming a star in British Boxing. He will face Chris Van Heerden in Manchester in April 16th and it will be his toughest challenge yet.
Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell will be in action in his hometown, where the young lightweight of 6-0 is returning to action after defeating Joe Ducker last month.
Tickets for the event at Manchester's AO Arena go on sale on March 11 at 12pm (UK Time)
