British boxing is back on free-to-air primetime television, but the return has hit turbulence before it even begins.
The highly anticipated British Heavyweight Title clash between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV, originally scheduled for October 25, has been rescheduled for November 29 at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby, following an injury sustained by TKV in training.
The top division showdown will be broadcast live on BBC Two and iPlayer, with undercard bouts and co-features still set to showcase the best of domestic talent.
BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom said BOXXER had no choice but to find an alternative date. “Injuries are part of the sport. While it’s disappointing to reschedule, the safety of our fighters must always come first. Jeamie suffered an injury in training, and medical advice was that he cannot compete.
“We’ve spoken to both fighters—they’re frustrated, but this only adds an edge for November 29. Clarke feels he’s ready now, and Jeamie will be desperate to prove he can beat Frazer.”
Beyond the injury layoff, a more complicated calendar pattern emerges, reigniting simmering tensions among promoters.
Scheduling Friction and Promoter Disagreements
The move inadvertently puts the spotlight on potential scheduling friction within the UK boxing fraternity and won’t please everyone, particularly Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.
The original Clarke vs TKV date would have clashed with Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley, a move that initially irked Frank Warren.
WBN understands the rescheduling avoids this major conflict—allowing fans to witness both main events (Clarke vs. TKV will conclude on the BBC around 10 pm—while the new November 29 slot will collide with Ben Whittaker’s debut in Birmingham on his Matchroom debut card.
Whatever is happening behind the scenes—whether disagreements between Shalom and other promoters or an emerging “date war”—raises concerns about cooperation within UK boxing. Fans benefit most when schedules are clear, and the sport projects stability.
The current reshuffles risk undermining the positive momentum generated by boxing’s return to BBC primetime, especially when several other dates were seemingly available.
The BBC’s Title Fight: Clarke vs. TKV
This rescheduled event marks a historic moment: the first major BBC primetime boxing night in years, part of a partnership between BBC Sport and BOXXER. Promoter Ben Shalom hopes to blend marquee names with rising talent, giving a new generation a chance to experience the drama, intensity, and unpredictability of heavyweight boxing live on free-to-air television.
Fans can watch Clarke vs. TKV and a co-feature clash live on BBC Two from 8 pm, with undercard streaming via BBC iPlayer—complete coverage of what promises to be one of the UK’s most significant domestic boxing nights in 2025.
Clarke, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze medallist, has had a turbulent run, with a win, a loss, and a draw in his last three bouts. He now faces Jeamie TKV, who has endured his own frustrations, including a controversial defeat to David Adeleye earlier this year.
With emotions running high, both fighters are determined to claim the prestigious Lonsdale Belt, leaving nothing to chance in what promises to be a dramatic heavyweight contest.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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