Overview
- Tshikeva won a split decision in Derby with scores of 115-113 and 115-112 in his favor, while one judge had it 115-112 for Clarke.
- The bout at Vaillant Live Arena marked live professional boxing’s return to primetime BBC television after more than two decades under Boxxer’s new deal.
- Referee John Latham deducted a point from Tshikeva for repeated low blows before TKV staggered Clarke with a heavy left hook in round 11.
- Clarke, a Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist, left the ring looking visibly affected after the defeat, and post-fight discussion turned to his immediate future and a possible rematch.
- The Lonsdale belt was vacant after David Adeleye chose other opportunities, and undercard standout Francesca Hennessy extended her unbeaten run with a dominant points win.