Frazer Clarke and Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva will mark Boxxer’s return to British TV screens, and live boxing’s return to Saturday primetime on the BBC, when they do battle for the vacant British heavyweight title on October 25.
The event – set to be broadcast at 8pm on BBC 2 with undercard action streaming on BBC iPlayer beforehand – will take place at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby, England, and marks the start of the partnership between the BBC and Boxxer, Ben Shalom's promotional group previously aligned to Sky Sports.
Both Clarke and TKV, 8-2 (5 KOs) have tried and failed to win the British heavyweight title before. Clarke, 9-1-1 (7 KOs), was unlucky in March last year to only get a draw after 12 violent rounds shared with Fabio Wardley before he lost the return, seven months later, in the opening round. After Wardley relinquished the championship, TKV was paired with David Adeleye in April to find a new king only to fall foul of some contentious refereeing en route to being stopped in the sixth while ahead on points.
Frazer Clarke said via a press release: “It’s amazing to be headlining on the BBC. It is such a big platform. There are going to be so many eyes on this fight, and I can’t wait to get out there and put on a show.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning the British title. I’m so hungry for this fight, so eager to get in there and finally make it mine.
“I’m going to be ice cold in there. I’ve travelled the world as an amateur, I’ve had my ups and downs as a pro, and I’ve learned from all of it. I’m seasoned, I’m hardened, and I’m more focused and determined for this fight than ever before.
“Jeamie is a solid all-round fighter, but I know the level I’m at and the work I’ve been putting in at the gym. He won’t hear the final bell. I’m a more complete fighter now than I’ve ever been, and with that comes knockouts. My mindset is simple: go in there, get the win, and make a statement. I’m not looking past Jeamie, but I will go straight through him.”
Of the challenge that awaits, TKV stated: “People are going to see things from me they haven’t seen before. I’ve got certain skills that are rare for a heavyweight, and I’m capable of bringing something different every fight. I’ve been slept on before, but they shouldn’t sleep on me in this one.
“Me and Frazer have been going back and forth for years, and now’s the right time.
“After the controversial ending to my last fight, I’m more determined than ever to get that British title. I’m very hungry for it, and I’m ready to show everyone why I deserve it.”
Boxxer have confirmed that details regarding the undercard will be announced soon.
