Clarke vs TKV: Underdog Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva hurts Olympian Frazer Clarke in the 11th before points win

Approximately 3,500 vocal fans filled the intimate arena, jeering at TKV’s ring walk. ‘Big Fraze’ from nearby Burton-upon-Trent received a rousing reception in return.

Much to the delight of the fans, he distinguished himself in the opening round by landing a blow to the body before ripping off painful uppercuts that clearly bothered TKV.

But the Tottenham man, whose family has a fascinating history with both his father and grandfather serving in the Zairean army, showed his fighting spirit and entered the competition.

The match was scheduled for October before a rib injury forced TKV out. The postponement reignited tensions, disrupting what was once a respectful rivalry.

Clarke’s corner repeatedly contested TKV’s low strikes, some of which drifted into the referee’s blind side and the referee issued a warning in the third round. A few minutes later, another boundary shot earned TKV a points deduction.

The coups were few; instead the fight devolved into clinches by Clarke and violent ducking by TKV; There were lunges, telegraphed punches that punctuated the action.

TKV found success with his left hook and Clarke with his uppercut, but both men absorbed the shots as if they were bouncing off the stone.

Just as the contest appeared to be coming to an end, TKV, whose right eye was badly swollen, unleashed a left hook that stunned Clarke in the 11th round.

Clarke could only stay upright by leaning on TKV, looking lost as the referee approached for a closer look.

His coach, Angel Fernandez, seemed determined to save him, but Clarke insisted on continuing.

He left the ring without giving a post-fight interview, still looking dazed.