British boxing returns to primetime BBC television tonight for the first time in over 20 years, as Frazer Clarke battles Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva for the vacant British heavyweight title in Derby. Meanwhile, undefeated Ben Whittaker defends his perfect 6-0 record against Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham, creating a blockbuster double-header across the West Midlands.
The historic BBC broadcast marks a new era following a deal agreed last summer with Ben Shalom's Boxxer promotional company. Clarke's title fight will air live and free on BBC Two from 8pm, with the 34-year-old expected to make his ring walk around 9pm at Derby's Vaillant Live Arena.
Clarke seeks redemption in title clash
Clarke enters the 12-round heavyweight bout with a 9-1-1 professional record, still rebuilding after his rematch defeat to WBO champion Fabio Wardley. The Burton fighter secured an early stoppage victory over Ebenezer Tetteh in April and now faces Tshikeva for the belt vacated when David Adeleye chose to fight Filip Hrgovic instead of honoring an ordered rematch.
Tshikeva, 32, carries an 8-2 record and desperately wants to prove himself following his controversial sixth-round stoppage loss to Adeleye. With both fighters entering their mid-thirties, claiming the British title represents a crucial opportunity to make waves in boxing's glamour division.
Whittaker continues Matchroom surge
Across the region in Birmingham, Whittaker faces Gavazi at the National Exhibition Centre with his unbeaten streak on the line. The 28-year-old light heavyweight, who turned professional in 2022, recently signed a lucrative long-term deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and secured revenge over Liam Cameron in April.
Whittaker's ring walk is anticipated around 9:30pm GMT, with the main card beginning at 7pm. The fight streams live via DAZN.
How to watch
Clarke's BBC Two coverage starts at 8pm, with undercard action available from 6pm on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Early preliminary fights commence from 5pm GMT.
The Whittaker card streams exclusively on DAZN, with the main event expected approximately 10pm. Notable undercard bouts include Molly McCann's super-bantamweight clash with Ebonie Cotton, and Cameron Vuong versus Gavin Gwynne at junior welterweight.
All fight timings remain subject to change based on undercard bout duration.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
