Underdog Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva stunned Frazer Clarke in the 11th stanza before claiming the British heavyweight title on scorecards
Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva overcame Frazer Clarke by split-decision to secure the UK heavyweight championship on a significant night for the boxing, as professional boxing action came back to BBC linear television for the initial occasion in two decades
It was far from a technical exhibition at the Derby venue, with constant holding and clinching, but the contest sparked into life when Jeamie Tshikeva rocked Frazer Clarke with a devastating hook in the 11th round
A stunned Clarke somehow managed to stayed upright and weaved back to his coaches
With his trainer poised to pull him out unless he showed improvement, Frazer Clarke declared he could fight on and bravely survived the final round
The officials scored it one fifteen to one thirteen and one fifteen to one twelve for Jeamie Tshikeva, while the remaining official went one fifteen to one twelve for Olympic bronze medallist Clarke
"It's unbelievable I beat my opponent in his hometown," London native Jeamie Tshikeva, who was had a point taken for a low blow, stated
"I understood he was going to grab, but he began tiring within the opening half-minute We're not in the Olympic competition anymore"
TKV Finishes Strong to Shock Frazer Clarke
Frazer Clarke had early success at the start but TKV - who was constantly cautioned for illegal shots - came on strong in the later rounds
Around thirty-five hundred enthusiastic crowd filled the intimate arena, booing Jeamie Tshikeva on his ring walk
Frazer Clarke, from nearby Burton, got a enthusiastic welcome in response
Much to the crowd's pleasure, he established dominance in the opening round, snapping a straight punch to the midsection before throwing stinging upward punches that clearly troubled Jeamie Tshikeva
But the London boxer - whose family boasts a fascinating history, with both his dad and grandad serving in the armed forces - demonstrated his determination and adapted to the fight
The fight had initially been planned for October before a rib problem forced TKV out
The rescheduling reignited tensions, souring a previously respectful competition
Clarke's corner repeatedly protested body punches from TKV, some landing on the opposite side of the ring judge, who gave a warning in the third
Moments later, another questionable punch resulted in Jeamie Tshikeva the penalty point
Jabs were rare; instead, the contest became tying up from Clarke and heavy leaning from Jeamie Tshikeva, with lunging, telegraphed shots interrupting the action
TKV had success with his hook, and Clarke with his rising punch, but each fighter soaked up the punches as if they were bouncing off stone
Right when the contest seemed to be petering out, Jeamie Tshikeva - his eye significantly puffed - landed a left hand that left Clarke reeling in the 11th round
Frazer Clarke stayed on his feet only by holding onto TKV, looking lost as the referee moved in for a closer look
His coach, his coach, looked determined to throwing in the towel, but Frazer Clarke insisted he continuing
He exited the ring without doing a post-fight interview, still seeming dazed
Francesca Hennessy Shines in Stylish Victory
In the co-main event, English fighter Francesca 'Billion Dollar Baby' Hennessy extended her undefeated streak to seven wins, no losses with a dominant decision victory over ex atomweight title holder Fabiana Bytyqi
After an eye-catching walk to the ring including a choreographed routine with a group of dancers, Francesca Hennessy, twenty-one, demonstrated quick movement, crisp choice of punches and smooth combinations
She had great success by focusing on the torso of the 29-year-old European boxer - who once held a championship belt at a lower weight class - as all three judges gave every round to Francesca Hennessy
"BDB on the television, let's do this, everyone," the southern boxer stated, before challenging ex bantamweight world champion her potential next opponent
Clarke, TKV and Francesca Hennessy each contributed in what could be an important evening for boxing in Britain
While there wasn't a world-title fight or a well-known star on the bill, but broadcast availability can attract wider viewership, draw young people into gyms and develop the boxing in manners subscription boxing may find difficult to achieve
Time will tell what the actual significance will be, but if even several additional kids enter their neighborhood gym on the following day, the night will have had an impact
