Clarke vs TKV: Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV argue before face-off

Heavyweight Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva said Frazer Clarke is «fighting for his career», while Clarke questioned TKV’s previous injury as they bickered at a tense news conference.

They will contest the vacant British heavyweight title at Derby’s Vaillant Arena on Saturday, to be shown live on BBC Two from 20:00 GMT.

The bout was originally set for 25 October but was postponed after TKV sustained a rib injury.

Clarke, 34, said the postponement allowed TKV to «buy more time».

TKV, 32, said defeat for 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Clarke could mark the beginning of the end of his professional career.

«I feel like I’m fighting to further my career, if anything. After this fight, there are big fights out there,» Clarke replied.

‘Big Fraze’ drew with current WBO champion Fabio Wardley when they met for the British title in March 2024, before Wardley stopped him in the first round of their subsequent rematch – Clarke’s only loss in 11 pro fights.

Clarke said victory on Saturday could set up a trilogy bout with Wardley and a shot at a world title.

«If that opportunity arises, oh my god, I’d take it with both hands,» Clarke said.

The conference in Derby ended with an intense staredown involving four security guards.

Tensions rose again when TKV stepped in front of Clarke during the posed photographs, prompting Clarke to walk away.

Although TV and Clarke had clashed on social media in the past, both appeared to have moved on and have spoken about the «responsibility» of bringing boxing to free-to-air television. But TKV’s withdrawal reignited old tensions.

Referring to a heated media interview earlier this week, TKV said: «He has a persona – he’s a good guy in front of the cameras, but behind the scenes he makes cheeky comments.»

TKV was particularly angered by allegedly being called a «thug».

«Never in your life label me a thug again. Never label me a wannabe gangster,» he said.

«I’m a uni graduate, I’m a family man and I’m a professional boxer.»

Clarke, from nearby Burton-upon-Trent, said: «Don’t try to act like it then. Why can’t I make cheeky comments – are you my dad?»

Londoner TVK responded: «Any young kids from inner cities, don’t let anyone label you a thug.»

A grinning Clarke then said: «Smartest thing you’ve ever said. Let’s give him a round of applause.»

The fight, which will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marks the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

In the chief support, 21-year-old British bantamweight Francesca Hennessy will take on former atomweight world champion Fabiana Bytyqi from the Czech Republic.

Hennessy, who has won all six of her pro bouts and is known for her showmanship and dancing during ring walks, said she would «shine under the lights».

The card will be the first boxing event on BBC linear television in 20 years.

Promoter Ben Shalom said Hennessy could become the youngest undisputed female world champion in history, beating 22-year-old Mexican Gabriela Fundora’s record.

Hennessey, known as the ‘Billion Dollar Baby’, said: «Pressure makes diamonds. So bring it. I love the pressure.»

You can watch from 18:00 on BBC iPlayer before switching to BBC Two at 20:00.

The commentary team will consist of Rick Edwards presenting, Ronald McIntosh as the lead commentator alongside boxing expert Steve Bunce, unified super-bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney and retired world champion George Groves.

From 18:00 on BBC iPlayer

From 20:00 on BBC Two

The Clarke and TKV ringwalks are scheduled for 21:00.