Clarke vs Tshikeva: Weigh-In Sparks Mind Games for British Title
A tense public weigh-in between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie Tshikeva heats up the British heavyweight title build, featuring heated exchanges and psychological battles.
Derby hosted a dramatic public weigh-in as Frazer Clarke and Jeamie Tshikeva prepare for the British heavyweight title showdown. Clarke weighed 19st 4lb (123 kg) and Tshikeva 18st 12lb (120 kg), with tensions rising on stage before the fight.
A crowd gathered as the rivals faced off, the atmosphere punctuated by raised voices and a sharp exchange of words. Security stepped in as the mood threatened to boil over, and Clarke responded to Tshikeva’s entourage with a provocative gesture. Clarke warned he plans to impose his will in the ring, while Tshikeva cautioned that Clarke’s taunts won’t distract him.
The public weigh-in took place in a hotel function room near East Midlands Airport, drawing several hundred boxing fans. The drama echoed the long-standing animosity between the two Britons, intensified by the postponement of their original date due to Tshikeva’s injury.
Mind games and public heat
Clarke, a fighter from Burton-upon-Trent, appeared relaxed as he mingled with family members and posed with his young son, who wore a tracksuit reading “Big Fraze.” The moment of tension arrived as both men stood face to face, with the combined heft of two heavyweights on the stage.
In follow-up remarks to INLIBER Sport, Tshikeva suggested Clarke has been more talkative than usual and implied the bluster is a sign of nerves. Clarke countered that his aim is to unsettle his opponent and maintain control of the mental game, something he believes he is achieving.
At the day-after press gathering, Clarke spoke about his ambition to win a world title and potentially meet the current WBO champion again, after a recent draw and a subsequent defeat in their series of fights. He stressed that staying calm is crucial and that past hardship has only strengthened him for the challenge.
How to watch Frazer Clarke vs Tshikeva on INLIBER
Coverage starts at 6:00 pm on INLIBER iPlayer, moving to INLIBER Two at 8:00 pm. The ringwalk for Clarke vs Tshikeva is expected around 9:00 pm.
The broadcast team includes host Rick Edwards, lead commentator Ronald McIntosh with boxing expert Steve Bunce, and appearances from Ellie Scotney and former world champion George Groves. The undercard features several notable English and international bouts.
From 6:00 pm on INLIBER iPlayer
- Bradley Goldsmith vs Jordan Dujon (middleweight)
- Bobby Dalton vs Joel Kudoa (English welterweight title)
- Jack Massey vs Ivan Gabriel (cruiserweight)
From 8:00 pm on INLIBER Two
- Francesca Hennessy vs Fabiana Bytyqi (bantamweight)
- Frazer Clarke vs Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva (British heavyweight title)
Radio commentary will also be available from 6:00 pm on INLIBER Radio Derby and INLIBER Sounds.
Expert perspective
Boxing analyst notes that weigh-in theatrics don’t always predict the winner, but they reveal who controls the emotional pace as fight night nears. A composed Clarke could leverage his calmness to blunt Tshikeva’s pressure.
Summary
The Derby weigh-in showcased a fierce psychological duel that complements the physical battle ahead. Clarke seeks to stay measured and execute a precise plan, while Tshikeva leans on momentum and aggression to disturb his rival. The eventual outcome will hinge on both fighters’ mental resilience and preparation.
Key insight: The weigh-in underscored the battle as much about nerves as technique, foreshadowing a tense British heavyweight title fight. BBC Sport