Boxing Makes a Landmark Return to the BBC
In a major event for British sports broadcasting, professional boxing is set for a primetime return to the BBC this weekend. The landmark broadcast, the first under a new deal with promoter Boxxer, will be headlined by a compelling battle for the vacant British heavyweight title between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV.
This marks a significant moment, echoing the BBC's historic role as the pioneer of televised boxing in the UK back in 1938. While the broadcaster has shown amateur boxing, notably during the Olympic Games, this new partnership promises its first consistent output of professional fights in many years, bringing the sport back to free-to-air television for a wide audience.
Clarke's Third Title Bid Headlines a Stacked Card
The main event sees Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke making his third attempt to claim the British heavyweight crown. The 34-year-old from Burton-on-Trent experienced the highs and lows of the sport in 2024, first fighting to a thrilling draw with Fabio Wardley before suffering a swift defeat in their rematch seven months later. Clarke successfully rebounded with a stoppage victory over Ebenezer Tetteh, and now he faces Jeamie TKV.
His opponent, Jeamie TKV (real name Tshikeva), is also looking to get his career back on track. The 32-year-old is coming off a controversial loss to David Adeleye in April and will be aiming to cause an upset and seize the title for himself. This highly anticipated clash was originally scheduled for 25 October but was postponed due to an injury sustained by TKV.
The event features a full undercard with multiple title fights, ensuring a night of quality boxing for fans:
- Bobby Dalton vs Joel Kodua (English welterweight title)
- Francesca Hennessy vs Fabiana Bytyqi (bantamweight)
- Bradley Goldsmith vs Jordan Dujon (middleweight)
- Jack Massey vs Ivan Gabriel Garcia (cruiserweight)
How and When to Tune In
The action all takes place on Saturday 29 November at the Vaillant Live arena in Derby. For viewers at home, the BBC is providing comprehensive coverage across its platforms.
BBC iPlayer will stream the event live from 6pm GMT until 10pm GMT, allowing fans to catch all the preliminary bouts. BBC Two will then join for the main card, with its live broadcast running from 8pm GMT until 10pm GMT.
According to the latest odds from BetFred, Frazer Clarke enters as the strong favourite at 2/9, while Jeamie TKV is the 18/5 underdog. A draw is priced at 18/1.
This weekend signals a new chapter for boxing on British television, making a major domestic title fight accessible to all as Clarke and TKV battle for heavyweight supremacy.
