The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) has annulled David Adeleye’s victory over Jeamie TKV for the British heavyweight title, ordering an immediate rematch between the two fighters. The decision follows protests lodged by TKV’s promoter, BOXXER, after the controversial ending of their title bout in Manchester on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The BBBC’s statement clarified that the fight, which was for the vacant British Championship, would not stand as the official result. The controversy arose in the sixth round when David Adeleye knocked Jeamie TKV to the canvas after a break had been called by the referee. While the referee, Ron Kearney, called “break,” pulling TKV’s left hand down, Adeleye took the opportunity to deliver a powerful left hook that sent his opponent crashing to the mat. TKV, clearly stunned, was counted out, and Adeleye was declared the winner by knockout.
However, TKV’s camp quickly raised concerns over the legality of the punch. They argued that Adeleye’s strike came after the referee had already halted the action, potentially violating the rules of boxing. A protest was promptly lodged by BOXXER with the BBBC, which led to the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fight’s conclusion.
“The stewards of the board have reviewed the situation and have ordered an immediate rematch between the two fighters,” the statement from the BBBC read. “This follows the vacant British Championship bout between David Adeleye and Jeamie Tshikeva, which took place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in Manchester. Purse offers will be released shortly, with bids to be received by Wednesday, 14th May 2025.”
The controversy has raised questions about the referee’s handling of the situation. Gary Logan, a prominent figure in boxing, commented on the incident, suggesting that the referee could have done more to prevent the controversial knockout. Logan stated, “Instead of pausing the action to admonish Adeleye for hitting on the break, a move that is not allowed in boxing, the referee chose to issue TKV with a count and allowed the fight to continue. This could have been handled better.”
In boxing, it is crucial for referees to maintain control over the fighters, particularly when a break is called, as it is an opportunity to ensure both competitors are in a neutral position before the action resumes. In this case, the referee’s decision to continue with the count rather than caution Adeleye sparked an intense debate over whether the knockout was a fair one. The BBBC’s decision to call for a rematch demonstrates their commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the sport.
The rematch between Adeleye and TKV is now highly anticipated, as both fighters are eager to prove their superiority. TKV, who was left disheartened by the controversial loss, now has the chance to reclaim the title in a fairer setting. On the other hand, Adeleye’s knockout victory, which many still view as legitimate, will now be put to the test in what promises to be another fierce contest in the heavyweight division.
The situation has also sparked wider discussions about the role of referees in maintaining the integrity of boxing matches. Referees are tasked with enforcing the rules of the sport and ensuring that no unfair advantage is gained during the contest. While the referee may not have intended to allow the illegal punch, the failure to address the situation at the time has raised questions about accountability and the need for clear guidelines on handling such incidents.
This rematch is not only about the British heavyweight title but also about the integrity of the sport itself. The BBBC’s decision to order a rematch shows their commitment to transparency and fairness, aiming to provide a level playing field for all fighters involved. It also sends a strong message to promoters, trainers, and referees about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in the sport.
The outcome of the rematch between Adeleye and TKV will likely have a significant impact on the careers of both fighters. For Adeleye, a victory would solidify his standing as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, while a loss could dampen his momentum and raise questions about the legitimacy of his earlier victory. TKV, on the other hand, will be looking to prove that he was unfairly denied the chance to claim the British title in the first place and to make amends for the controversial knockout.
Boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the rematch, which is expected to generate significant interest both in the UK and globally. The controversy surrounding the original bout has only heightened the anticipation, and both fighters will be under immense pressure to deliver a memorable performance. The BBBC’s decision to annul Adeleye’s victory and order a rematch underscores the importance of fairness and due process in the sport, ensuring that the true champion is crowned in a manner that is beyond reproach.
As the rematch draws closer, both Adeleye and TKV will be focusing on their training camps, preparing for what could be a defining moment in their careers. The British heavyweight title is on the line, and both fighters will be determined to leave no doubt about who the rightful champion is. In the world of boxing, controversy and drama are never far away, and this rematch promises to deliver plenty of both.
Boxing fans can expect a thrilling and highly charged atmosphere when these two heavyweights step back into the ring to settle their differences once and for all.
