Adeleye vs TKV Controversy: Result Stands but Rematch Could Be Ordered

In the aftermath of one of the most debated heavyweight fights in recent British boxing history, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) is preparing to examine the contentious finish of last Saturday’s Adeleye vs TKV bout between David Adeleye and Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva. While the fight ended with Adeleye being declared the winner by sixth-round stoppage, the circumstances surrounding that conclusion have ignited widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and even fellow boxers.

The BBBoC will formally review the events of the fight on Wednesday, April 9, but insiders have already indicated that the official result will not be overturned, no matter what is concluded about the actions of the referee. However, a rematch may be ordered, which would serve as both a nod to the controversy and a chance for both fighters to settle things cleanly in the ring.

Let’s break down what happened during the fight, what went wrong, and what could be next for both Adeleye and TKV.

A Fight With High Stakes—and High Drama

The bout took place with the vacant British heavyweight title on the line, and though David Adeleye came in as the favorite, many eyes were on Jeamie Tshikeva, known simply as “TKV,” for his potential to pull off the upset. The fight was closely contested through five rounds, with TKV arguably boxing well and showing poise under pressure.

Then came round six—the round that flipped the entire narrative.

TKV was holding Adeleye in a clinch, a common occurrence in heavyweight fights when boxers get in close. Referee Ron Kearney, officiating his first major bout at the A Star level, gave a clear instruction to “break” and made a tapping gesture on TKV’s glove, signaling the fighters to separate.

But instead of a clean break, Adeleye took advantage of the moment. As TKV slightly relaxed, apparently expecting a stoppage in action, Adeleye immediately unleashed a powerful left hook. The punch landed flush on TKV’s exposed chin, sending him crumbling to the canvas.

The referee began a count, and TKV barely beat it—visibly shaken and struggling to focus.

The Aftershock: More Trouble for TKV

The fight resumed just seconds later. TKV, clearly not fully recovered, tried to survive, but Adeleye pounced. Another barrage of punches, including a second knockdown, prompted referee Kearney to stop the bout 55 seconds into the sixth round. Adeleye was declared the winner by TKO, and just like that, the fight was over.

But not everyone agreed with how it ended.

Immediately, the TKV corner erupted in protest. They believed their fighter had been caught off guard after obeying the referee’s command to break. Videos replayed across social media appeared to support the argument that there was confusion during the critical moment. The outcry was swift.

The Rulebook and Its Grey Areas

According to the official BBBoC handbook, when a referee instructs the fighters to break, “they must do so promptly while defending themselves at all times.”

This clause is key. While the referee’s instruction to break appears to be undisputed, TKV’s failure to protect himself in that split second allowed Adeleye to capitalize with a legal—albeit controversial—strike.

Critics argue that Kearney should have physically intervened to stop the action, especially since he had signaled a break. On the other hand, Adeleye and his team maintain that the fight was live and that fighters are told repeatedly to protect themselves at all times, even during a break.

The board now faces the difficult job of analyzing what exactly happened—did the referee make a mistake? Did TKV fail in his responsibility? Or was it a tragic case of miscommunication at the worst possible time?

What the BBBoC Is Likely to Do

According to statements from Robert Smith, the General Secretary of the BBBoC, the result of the fight will stand.

“The fight has already happened, and retrospectively changing the result is exceptionally rare,” Smith said in an interview with BoxingScene.

In simple terms: Adeleye will keep the win on his record, and the British heavyweight title will remain in his possession—for now.

But this doesn’t mean the story is over.

The board does have the authority to recommend a rematch, particularly if they find fault in how the referee handled the situation. In such a case, it would be a tacit acknowledgment that the outcome was influenced by a breakdown in officiating, even if not reversed outright.

If the BBBoC goes this route, it would represent a middle ground—keeping the result intact but giving Tshikeva another chance at the title and a fair fight.

Public and Industry Reaction

The boxing community has been vocal about the controversy. Many prominent fighters and analysts have come out saying that a rematch is not just warranted—it’s necessary.

“What happened wasn’t right,” one former British champion said on a popular boxing podcast. “TKV was boxing well, and then the ref created confusion. At the very least, he deserves another shot.”

On social media, fans echoed similar sentiments. Several slow-motion replays showed the referee tapping TKV’s glove and appearing to call for a break before Adeleye struck. Whether or not that tap constituted an official pause in action remains up for debate, but the optics are damning.

Even those in Adeleye’s camp have acknowledged the confusion, though they stand by the result. Adeleye himself has so far kept his public statements short, thanking fans for the support and hinting that he’s open to any decision the board makes.

Source: Result of David Adeleye vs. TKV won’t be overruled but rematch could be ordered

The Bigger Picture

This fight has once again highlighted the need for consistent officiating in boxing. In a sport where one punch can change everything, even a momentary lapse or unclear instruction from the referee can have career-altering consequences.

Ron Kearney, though new at this level, will undoubtedly be under review himself. Whether he is found to have made a technical error or simply failed to act quickly enough will play a big role in the BBBoC’s final decision.

There’s also the question of fighter safety. TKV took two brutal knockdowns in the sixth round, the first of which might never have happened if the break had been enforced clearly.

What’s Next for Adeleye and TKV

If a rematch is ordered, it will likely take place later in 2025, giving both fighters time to prepare—and for the BBBoC to ensure that all officiating protocols are firmly in place.

For Adeleye, a rematch is a chance to prove the first win was no fluke and silence any critics. For TKV, it’s a shot at redemption and a chance to claim the title he believes was taken from him unfairly.

One thing’s for certain—when (or if) they meet again, all eyes will be on the referee just as much as on the fighters.

Final Thoughts

Boxing has always walked a fine line between chaos and control, with referees tasked with keeping order in an inherently unpredictable sport. The Adeleye-TKV bout is just the latest example of how one split-second decision—or indecision—can overshadow an entire fight.

As the BBBoC deliberates on April 9, the boxing world waits for clarity. And while the result won’t change, the path forward could define the careers of both David Adeleye and Jeamie Tshikeva.

Whether justice comes in the form of a rematch or simply lessons learned, one thing is clear: British boxing cannot afford many more nights like this.

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