Dave Allen beat Lucas Browne in the main event of what was an entertaining night of boxing, earning his biggest career victory to date.
The two heavyweights earnt the main event slot after Dereck Chisora—who defeated Senad Gashi in an underwhelming co-main event, graciously gave it up.
Elsewhere, Josh Kelly returned from injury with a shutout win against Przemyslaw Runowski, Joe Cordina beat Andy Townend and Conor Benn kept his unbeaten record going.
Relive all the action below.
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Hello and welcome to The Independent's LIVE coverage of Dave Allen vs Lucas Browne at the O2 Arena.
It looks to be a busy night of boxing, with Dereck Chisora the co-main event, taking on the colourful character that is Senad Gashi.
We'll have updates from the undercard to the end of the evening, so stay tuned for all the coverage you need.
Wins for Shannon Courtenay (points) and Nikita Ababiy (second round knockout) have got the night off to a warm start.
Here's that knockout from Ababiy, a lovely shot.
Up next, Conor Benn faces Josef Zahradnik.
We'll have live updates from the first bell.
Here we go.
The first bell has rung and the fight is underway.
Conor Benn vs Josef Zahradnik.
Round one:
Benn has put his jab to work but isn't getting through too often, with Zahradnik attempting to put some combinations together - but again the same, failing to get through with much.
Both men find the breakthrough in the final minute of the round after sizing each other up a bit.
10-9 to Benn for me, only just though.
Round two:
Benn seems to be letting his opponent throw first before attempting the counter jab to the body. Crowd urging him on, a quieter round in the second.
10-9 Benn again.
Round three:
Better from Benn, who cuts Zahradnik just to the side of his left eye.
Much more aggressive from the home fighter who closed the gap and followed his jab up with some straight rights.
Round four:
Some good work to the body from Benn but Zahradnik keeps coming forward time and time again.
Benn works to the body some more with a big left and has warmed up nicely, he's doing some of his best work right now.
Every time he lands a couple, he takes a step back and Zahradnik tries to throw but is out of range.
Four straight rounds to Benn.
Round five:
Less action in that round, Benn just keeps the Czech away with his jab and basically had a round off there.
10-9 to Benn.
Some news away from the action tonight, Dillian Whyte's next fight will be announced live in the ring at 9pm this evening.
Round six:
Benn is throwing at Zahradnik at his will at this point, but is keeping his foot off the gas still.
It looks like he wants the rounds - a point is that unlike his two wars against Cedrick Peynaud, he's not engaging too much and is boxing smart.
The 22-year-old walks to his corner and does a little dance before taking a seat. He's calm and confident.
Rounds seven:
Zahradnik down! A lovely jab from Benn and his opponent falls to the floor but beats the count.
Benn goes in for the kill and throws a number of unanswered punches, smiles through his gum shield but Zahradnik stands tall and uses the ropes.
He sees out the round. The first 10-8 as we go into the eighth and final one.
Benn has been using his body punching ability to his advantage.
Round eight:
Benn reluctant to throw too much in the final round and starts taunting his opponent, talking to him and dancing around the ring.
Not the most stunning fight but a complete shutout for Benn, who will move to 14-0.
Conor Benn wins via unanimous decision!
A good evening's work.
Conor Benn
I had a good training camp. I was throwing my right hand in there, it felt good. I fight with my heart on my sleeve, the jab makes the fight so much easier. I knew I could hurt him to the body.
Up next, Joe Cordina takes on Andy Townend.
Undefeated Cordina comes in as the heavy favourite but Townend could yet cause him some problems.
An intriguing fight on the way as the undercard really begins to heat up.
Both men in the ring now, round-by-round updates to follow.
Cordina vs Townend.
Round one:
Townend starts the quicker of the two men but it's Cordina who lands the heavier punches.
A lot of feeling each other out in that opener, an even one but Cordina landed the cleaner of the few punches landed.
10-9 Cordina.
Fight preview:
When and where is the boxing?
Tonight’s main event takes place around 10pm, with live coverage from 8pm. The show takes place at the O2 Arena.
Where can I watch it?
You can still get tickets if you fancy turning up to the arena, but elsewhere it’ll be on Sky Sports Main Event.
What is the full fight card?
- Dereck Chisora vs Senad Gashi
- Josh Kelly vs Przemyslaw Runowski
- Joe Cordina vs Andy Townend
- Conor Benn vs Josef Zahradnik
- Shannon Courtenay vs Roz Mari Silyanova
