THE return of boxing on the BBC now has a date and a main event following today’s announcement from Boxxer.
Their new broadcast partnership with the free-to-air television giant begins on October 25, live on BBC2 from the Valiant Live Arena in Derby.
Headlining Boxxer’s first show since Callum Simpson’s European super-middleweight title victory over Ivan Zucco in June will be a vacant British heavyweight title fight between Frazer Clarke (9-1-1, 7 KOs) and Jeamie TKV (8-2, 5 KOs).
“The British public love nothing more than a big heavyweight tear-up, and this fight is set to deliver maximum entertainment value,” said Boxxer founder and CEO Ben Shalom.
“It’s impossible to call between Frazer and TKV. Both men are warriors with everything at stake and the nation watching. I’m excited to welcome a new generation of fans to the sport who have grown up without boxing on free-to-air TV and will now get the chance to experience it on the BBC for the first time.”
Clarke vs TKV will be shown on BBC2 in a Saturday night primetime slot between 8pm and 10pm. The full undercard, yet to be announced, will also be streamed live on BBC iPlayer.
Clarke, 34, has endured mixed fortunes since turning professional in February 2022. The Burton-on-Trent heavyweight left behind a decorated amateur career that culminated in a bronze medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He says he’s relishing the chance to join the long list of British boxing greats to win the Lonsdale belt.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning the British title,” he said. “I’m so hungry for this fight, so eager to get in there and finally make it mine. The fact it’s happening live on primetime BBC makes it even better.
“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.”
Clarke’s only appearance in 2025 so far was a first-round stoppage win against Ebenzer Tetteh, which came six months after Fabio Wardley stopped him in the opening round of their Riyadh rematch.
TKV, meanwhile, gets a second shot at the British title after losing to David Adeleye in controversial circumstances in April. The 31-year-old Londoner is confident Clarke cannot withstand his pressure.
“Me and Frazer have been going back and forth for years, and now’s the right time. We finally get to settle it for the British title, and to do it on a massive platform like the BBC makes it even bigger. Frazer’s a good fighter, and I expect the best version of him to turn up, but I’m bringing the heat and the fire.
“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.
“This fight isn’t going the distance, 100%. We’re going to war, and I know what I’m bringing to the table. He won’t be able to handle it. I’m hungry, I’m dangerous, and I’m ready to take that belt.”
