David Adeleye’s British heavyweight title win over Jeamie Tshikeva didn’t come without controversy.
The vacant British heavyweight boxing title matchup between bitter rivals David Adeleye and Jeamie Tshikeva didn’t disappoint, but it was overshadowed by a controversial ending.
Adeleye and Tshikeva went punch-for-punch over the first five rounds of action, as their bitter feud resulted in an entertaining fight for as long as it lasted. But Round 6 signaled the turn of the tide, albeit in a questionable fashion.
An innocuous clinch between Adeleye and Tshikeva resulted in the referee attempting to break the action and reset, but referee Ron Kearney appeared to push Tshikeva’s gloves down as he attempted to break them up. Immediately, Adeleye landed a massive left hook that floored Tshikeva, as Tshikeva’s chin was left exposed after Allen pushed his guard down.
Boxing fans fume over David Adeleye vs. Jeamie Tshikeva controversial ending
After making it through a 10-count, Tshikeva and Adeleye continued fighting, albeit with Tshikeva’s back on the ropes and with Adeleye pressing forward. After the brief stoppage, Adeleye earned another knockdown on Tshikeva, prompting the referee to wave off the action and hand Adeleye the TKO victory.
Boxing fans were furious on social media about the Adeleye/Tshikeva stoppage.
“There needs to be a rematch. But I also don’t want to see it,” one fan wrote on X.
“Absolutely scandalous refereeing. Could have caused TKV to be seriously hurt. Immediate rematch needed. Adeleye wasn’t even hurting TKV at all before that,” another said.
“What’s the ref doing! But I guess it goes back to the old adage…..protect yourself at all times.”
“The ref caused that.”
“Referee mistake caused the stoppage. Adeleye is dangerous and would likely have achieved this legitimately. He didn’t. Rematch.”
“NO CONTEST!”
“Very very very veryyyyyyy controversial.”
“It was a clear foul. Rematch needed.”
“Going to be a NC and a rematch ordered.”
“NO CONTEST. Absolutely DIABOLICAL refereeing. This man should NEVER be allowed to ref another boxing fight ever again.”
Tshikeva’s corner was seen screaming at Kearney as he waved off the fight, likely having to do with the controversial sequence less than a minute before. As of this writing, it’s uncertain if Tshikeva and his team plan to appeal the fight in hopes of getting a rematch ordered and a no-contest ruling.
💣 David Adeleye STOPS Jeamie TKV in round 6 to win the British heavyweight title.pic.twitter.com/x0dCMvZKUx
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) April 5, 2025
David Adeleye vs. Jeamie Tshikeva rematch possible after wild fight week altercation
The Adeleye vs. Tshikeva pre-fight festivities were eventful, to say the least. The two went after it at the pre-fight press conference, with a table being hurled as a melee ensued.
Adeleye entered the fight off of a bounce-back victory over Solomon Dacres for the English heavyweight championship in December. He suffered his first-career fight a bout previously, losing to Fabio Wardley by seventh-round TKO to relinquish his heavyweight belts.
The 28-year-old Adeleye is considered by many as one of boxing’s top heavyweight talents, along with fellow UK standout Moses Itauma. Meanwhile, Tshikeva’s three-fight win streak was stopped in the controversial defeat to Adeleye.
An Adeleye vs. Tshikeva rematch could be around the corner, after the controversial end to their fight this weekend. Expect the buildup to their second fight to be centered around perceived unfinished business in the ring.
