CHRIS VAN HEERDEN will serve as Conor Benn's final test before he is thrown into the "deep end", a stacked welterweight section.
Benn, the son of British boxing legend Nigel, will face the former IBO champion 147lb on Saturday night in front a packed arena at Manchester Arena.
Conor Benn will face former IBO welterweight champion Chris van Heerden
South African southpaw Van Heerden seems to be Benn's most formidable opponent.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of the event, believes that undefeated Destroyer can go to the races if the former champ is defeated.
The Daily Mail was informed by the Matchroom Boxing chief: "The growth in Conor Benn's boxing is amazing."
"I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way, but I was shocked to see him fight.
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"It all comes down to his mindset and his work ethic. Tony Simms' hard work is a testament to that. And obviously, the genes are a big factor.
"But this is his last test before he enters the deep end."
Benn has never faced a southpaw in the course of his professional career, and Hearn believes that the experience will be a blessing.
He stated that Van Heerden was a tough fighter who is also very skilled and technically sound. He will continue to fight as long as possible.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100s of Games to Play and No Deposit Required"It will be a great fight.
"Southpaw experience is essential when talking about Jaron Ennis, Errol Spencer - all these great fighters.
"You can't jump in your first-ever southpaw Errol Spence, or these types of guys."
He said, "Van Heerden's last fight was against Jaron Ennis on Showtime in Ennis 26th fight."
Jaron Ennis is my favorite welterweight.
People are saying that Conor Benn is the easy man to beat. He's rated very high by me.
"People used to say he was overhyped a year ago, but people now rate him highly."
After Amir Khan's spectacular stoppage in February, Benn decided to pursue a domestic feud with Kell Brook.
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Hearn believes that a fight against Special K, as well as showdowns at 147lbs with some of the biggest names in the sport, will soon be on the horizon.
He stated that this would be his final test before he jumps in together with a Kellbrook, a Mikey Garcia or Danny Garcia, an Adrien Brner, and a Keith Thurman - one those elite names.
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