Heavyweight Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva Surprises Frazer Clarke to Claim UK Championship

Boxing match action

Underdog TKV stunned Clarke in the eleventh stanza before winning the UK heavyweight championship on judges' decision

Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva overcame Clarke by split-decision to claim the British heavyweight title on a momentous evening for the sport, as live professional boxing returned to free-to-air television for the first time in twenty years

It was far from a display of technical skill at the Derby venue, with regular grappling and holding, but the contest exploded when TKV rocked Clarke with a devastating left hand in the eleventh stanza

A stunned Frazer Clarke somehow stayed on his feet and stumbled back to his corner

As his coach prepared to pull him out if he didn't respond, Frazer Clarke insisted he could fight on and valiantly fought through the last round

The officials saw it one fifteen to one thirteen and 115-112 for TKV, while the third judge went one fifteen to one twelve for Olympic medal winner Frazer Clarke

"It's unbelievable I whooped my opponent in his territory," London native TKV, who was lost a point for a low blow, stated

"I knew he was going to grab, but he started blowing within the initial thirty seconds This isn't the Olympic competition anymore"

TKV Dominates Late to Shock Frazer Clarke

Boxing match action

Clarke had early success at the start but TKV - who was constantly cautioned for illegal shots - dominated in the final stages

Approximately 3,500 loud supporters crowded the intimate arena, booing Jeamie Tshikeva on his walk to the ring

'Big Fraze', from local Burton, earned a rousing reception in return

Much to the fans' delight, he established dominance in the opening round, firing a straight punch to the midsection before ripping in painful rising blows that clearly troubled Jeamie Tshikeva

But the Tottenham man - whose background includes a fascinating history, with both his father and grandfather working in the Zairean army - demonstrated his competitive heart and adapted to the contest

The fight had originally been set for last October before a rib injury compelled Jeamie Tshikeva out

The postponement reheated the rivalry, spoiling a once-respectful rivalry

Clarke's corner repeatedly protested low blows from Jeamie Tshikeva, some connecting on the blindside of the referee, who gave a warning in the third

Soon afterward, another debatable blow earned Jeamie Tshikeva the lost point

Jabs were scarce; instead, the fight descended into holding from Frazer Clarke and constant leaning from Jeamie Tshikeva, with overextending, obvious punches interrupting the contest

Jeamie Tshikeva had success with his left hand, and Frazer Clarke with his upward blow, but the two competitors took the blows as if they were hitting stone

Just as the fight seemed to be slowing down, TKV - his eye significantly puffed - detonated a left hand that left Clarke stumbling in the eleventh round

Frazer Clarke stayed upright only by holding onto Jeamie Tshikeva, looking lost as the official approached for a better view

His trainer, Angel Fernandez, looked ready to pulling him out, but Clarke insisted he carry on

He departed the ring without giving a after-fight media, still looking stunned

'Billion Dollar Baby' Impresses in Stylish Win

In the supporting fight, English bantamweight Francesca 'Billion Dollar Baby' Hennessy increased her perfect record to seven wins, no losses with a overwhelming points win over ex lower weight class title holder her opponent

Following an impressive ringwalk including a dance routine together with a dance troupe, Hennessy, 21, demonstrated quick movement, accurate shot selection and fluid punch combinations

She achieved significant success by focusing on the body of the 29-year-old Czech fighter - who once held a world championship at atomweight - as all three judges awarded all 10 rounds to Hennessey

"BDB on the free-to-air, here we go, guys," the southern boxer said, before challenging former bantamweight world champion Shannon Courtenay

Clarke, TKV and Hennessy all played their part in what could be an crucial night for boxing in Britain

There may not have been a title fight or a well-known star on the schedule, but free-to-air exposure can reach new fans, bring in young people into gyms and expand the boxing in ways boxing on pay-per-view may find difficult to achieve

Time will tell what the true impact is, but if even a few more youngsters join their community boxing center on the following day, the night will have had an impact

James Haynes
James Haynes

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