Top-level boxing makes a historic return to terrestrial television tonight as the BBC broadcasts a major fight night headlined by the British heavyweight title clash between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie Tshikeva.
This event marks the first broadcast under Boxxer's new agreement with the BBC, bringing elite boxing back to free-to-air TV for UK fans. The BBC, which first aired a televised boxing match in 1938, is now set to showcase major fights on a regular basis.
How to Watch the Fights
The action takes place at the Vaillant Live arena in Derby. The entire event will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer from 6pm GMT, with the main card broadcast on BBC Two from 8pm GMT to 10pm GMT.
Fight timings are always subject to change based on the undercard duration, but organisers expect the main event fighters to make their ring walks at around 9pm GMT.
Full Fight Card and Fighter Quotes
The complete fight card features several compelling matchups:
- Frazer Clarke vs Jeamie Tshikeva
- Bobby Dalton vs Joel Kodua
- Francesca Hennessy vs Fabiana Bytyqi
- Bradley Goldsmith vs Jordan Dujon
- Jack Massey vs Ivan Gabriel Garcia
- Josh Rose vs Jorge Luis Huerta Balleza
- Scott Melvin vs Harvey Sturton
Clarke, speaking about the significance of the British title, told ESPN: "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."
Tshikeva brings additional motivation, stating: "This should be my first title defence. That's how I look at it. I should have walked away that night as the British heavyweight champion... Things happen for a reason. We're here now and we're going to fight on Saturday. It's big. I know how big this opportunity is."
A New Era for Boxing on BBC
This event represents more than just a championship fight—it signals the beginning of a new partnership between Ben Shalom's Boxxer promotion and the BBC. The deal ensures that major boxing events will be accessible to all UK viewers without subscription fees.
Both fighters enter this bout with something to prove. Clarke returned to winning ways in April with a first-round knockout of Ebenezer Tetteh, while Tshikeva seeks redemption after a controversial TKO loss to David Adeleye in his last appearance.
With the vacant British heavyweight title on the line, tonight's main event promises to deliver explosive action as two determined heavyweights collide to crown a new champion and kickstart boxing's new era on the BBC.
