Heavyweight TKV stuns Clarke to win British title

On a significant night for the sport, Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva defeated Frazer Clarke by split decision to win the British heavyweight title as live professional boxing made its debut on BBC linear television in 20 years.

Although there were frequent grappling and clinching matches during the contest, TKV rocked Clarke with a powerful left hook in the eleventh minute.

A stunned Clarke somehow stumbling back into his corner managed to stay put. Clarke insisted he could continue and bravely fought through the final round with his trainer poised to pull him out unless he responded.

The judges gave TKV the scores of 115-113 and 115-112, while Clarke, who won the Olympic bronze medal, received 115-112.

It elicits incredible feelings. The boy whooped in his backyard, according to Londoner TKV, who was given a point for a minor blow.

He started blowing within the first 30 seconds, even though I was aware that he was going to hold on. We are no longer a part of the Olympics.

Later, TKV apologized for making what he called “distasteful” remarks at the post-fight press conference.

Clarke’s professional career ended in a second defeat, reaching the podium at Tokyo 2020. The future is uncertain at 35.

It is, in his eleventh fight, TKV’s biggest victory of his career.

TKV was jeered on his ring walk by around 3,500 vocal fans who filled the small arena. In return, Big Fraze’, a resident of Burton-upon-Trent, was rousingly greeted.

He asserted himself in the opening round, snapping a jab at the body before ripping in stinging uppercuts, which was unmistakably troubling for TKV, much to the fans’ delight.

The Tottenham man, whose family has a fascinating history and both his father and grandfather served in the Zairean army, showed up in the fight and settled in.

Before TKV was forced to miss the fight, the fight had originally been scheduled for October. Tensions were rekindled by the delay, easing a once-respectful conflict.

Low blows from TKV, some of which were veered in on the side of the referee, who gave a warning in the third, were repeatedly repeated in Clarke’s corner. The point deduction was made for TKV when another borderline shot came in moments later.

Instead of a few jabs, the fight shifted into heavy leaning from TKV and lunging, telegraphed punches that characterized the course.

Both TKV and Clarke both had success with their left hooks and uppercuts, but both men soaked up the shots like they were bouncing off a stone.

A left hook detonated just as the competition appeared to be waning, leaving Clarke reeling in the eleventh minute. TKV’s right eye was severely swollen.

Clarke only managed to remain upright by leaning into TKV as the referee moved in for a closer look.

Although Clarke insisted on continuing, Angel Fernandez, his coach, seemed to be pulling him out.

English bantamweight Francesca “Billion Dollar Baby” Hennessy defeated former atomweight world champion Fabiana Bytyqi to extend her perfect record to 7-0 in the chief-support match.

Hennessy, 21, displayed sharp footwork, precise shot selection, and fluid combination punching following an eye-catching ringwalk complete with a choreographed routine alongside a dance troupe.

All three judges scored Hennessey in the final 10 rounds, which was a huge success for her because she targeted the 29-year-old Czech fighter’s body, who previously held a world title at atomweight.

Before calling out former world champion Shannon Courtenay, the Kent fighter said, “BDB (Billion Dollar Baby) on the BBC, let’s go, baby.”

What could have been a crucial night for British boxing was played by Clarke, TKV, and Hennessy.

Although there may not have been a boxing title fight or a household name on the bill, free-to-air exposure can appeal to new fans, draw young people to gyms, and help the sport develop in ways that pay-per-view boxing may struggle.