CONOR BENN will take on former IBO welterweight world champion Chris Van Heerden on April 16 in Manchester.
A bout against Kell Brook had been rumoured, with promoter Eddie Hearn sending a ‘significant offer’ to Brook for an all-English showdown.
Benn will return to action in April
South African southpaw Van Heerden will take on Benn in Manchester
But after claiming Brook was demanding £10million to fight, Benn confirmed the bout was ‘out of the equation’.
Instead the 25-year-old will face South African slugger Van Heerden at the AO Arena next month.
Benn puts his WBA continental welterweight title on the line as he looks to extend his flawless 20-0 record.
But he faces a tough test against Van Heerden, who has only ever been stopped in his 32 fights by unified welterweight champ Errol Spence Jr.
Speaking on the fight, Benn said: “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!”
Benn last fought in December, securing a stunning knockout win over former world champion Chris Algieri in Liverpool.
But Van Heerden is also an ex-world champ and boasts a career record of 28-2-1.
The California-based southpaw will provide Benn with the ‘toughest test of his career to date’, according to Hearn.
Matchroom chairman Hearn said: “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.”
Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell is in action on the undercard in his home city, with the young 6-0 lightweight returning to action after beating Joe Ducker last month.
Tickets for the event at the AO Arena in Manchester go on sale at 12pm (UK time) on March 11.
