Frazer Clarke fights tonight for the vacant British heavyweight title against Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Vaillant Live Arena in Derby. The bout marks boxing's return to primetime BBC television for the first time in over 20 years, part of a broadcast deal agreed last summer with promoter Boxxer. For the 34-year-old Clarke, this represents his third attempt to capture the coveted belt after two previous fights against Fabio Wardley.
The stakes are high for both fighters. Clarke is still on the comeback trail following a devastating first-round defeat to WBO champion Wardley seven months after their initial draw. He suffered a broken jaw and cheekbone in that rematch. Tshikeva, 32, seeks to prove himself after a controversial sixth-round stoppage loss to David Adeleye, who subsequently chose to fight Filip Hrgovic rather than pursue an ordered rematch.
Clarke told ESPN the British title could be career-defining: «The likes of Henry Cooper, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Lennox Lewis have all held the British title belt and look at what they have done after they won it. It's like a coming of age, a natural progress and it's such a big deal.»
Parallel Birmingham Event
Ben Whittaker defends his unbeaten 6-0 record against Benjamin Gavazi in a separate light heavyweight bout at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The 28-year-old recently signed a lucrative long-term deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. His fight streams live on DAZN, with ring walks expected around 10pm GMT.
Broadcast Details
BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website begin undercard coverage from 6pm GMT tonight. BBC Two airs the main fights from 8pm, with Clarke's ring walk anticipated around 9pm. The event features multiple undercard bouts, including Francesca Hennessy vs Fabiana Bytyqi and Jack Massey vs Ivan Gabriel.
Clarke holds a 9-1-1 professional record since turning pro in 2021. Tshikeva stands at 8-2. Both fighters are described as desperately wanting to claim the belt to advance in boxing's glamour division, particularly given their ages.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
