Let’s talk about it—the David Adeleye Jeamie Tshikeva controversy that’s taken over boxing Twitter, forums, and group chats. I’ve now watched that British heavyweight title fight twice, and the more I replay it, the more I feel like I’m watching the sport fail the very people it’s meant to protect.
This wasn’t just a messy ending. It was a serious refereeing lapse that led to a sixth-round knockout on a DAZN-streamed card. And in my opinion? That KO should not stand.
From the Opening Bell, Something Felt Off
It wasn’t just one moment. It was the whole fight. From the very first round, it felt like the referee had absolutely no control over what was happening in the ring. He let kidney punches slide. He didn’t step in during clinches. He was inconsistent on breaks. It was chaotic. And by the time Round 6 rolled around, it boiled over.
Now, anyone who’s watched boxing for more than five minutes knows that when a referee shouts “Break!” it means stop punching, step back, and reset. Not “ignore me, throw a cheeky right hand, and end the fight.”
And that’s exactly what happened.
The Round 6 Knockout That Sparked It All
Let’s be clear: David Adeleye landed the final shot after a break was called. You can watch it back yourself (DAZN have the footage right here). The ref clearly yells “Break,” Tshikeva begins to back away, and then bang—Adeleye fires a right hand that ends the fight. Tshikeva goes down hard, dazed and vulnerable, and the ref just waves it off.
Job done. Title awarded. Nothing to see here?
No chance.
That’s not just a controversial finish—it’s a dangerous one. You don’t call for a break and then do nothing when a fighter gets clocked while following your command. That’s refereeing 101.
The British Boxing Board of Control Must Act—Now
Let me say this loud and clear: the British Boxing Board of Control can’t ignore this. If they do, they send the message that rules are optional depending on who’s in the ring.
Here’s what needs to happen:
- Immediate suspension of the referee pending a full review
- Internal investigation into the ref’s handling of the fight
- Public release of the findings to maintain trust and transparency
- Ruling the fight a no contest—because that result should not affect either man’s record
- Mandatory rematch for the British heavyweight title, under a different referee
I’m not saying the referee should be sacked. Everyone has bad nights. But this wasn’t just a questionable decision—it was a breakdown in control that had real consequences.
And if referees aren’t held to account, what’s the point of having rules in the first place?
We’ve Seen This Before—Remember Groves vs Froch?
Look, the sport has been here before. Think back to Howard Foster’s infamous stoppage in Groves vs Froch I. Foster got slated—by fans, fighters, media, even pundits on Sky. The outrage led to massive debate about referee power and premature stoppages.
But this Adeleye-Tshikeva incident? It’s worse. At least Foster acted early out of concern. Here, the referee called a break and did nothing when one fighter clearly ignored it and threw a finishing shot.
Where’s the same energy from the BBBoC now?
This Isn’t Just About a Title—It’s About Safety
Let’s be absolutely clear. This isn’t about hating on Adeleye. He’s a solid fighter with power, presence, and potential. But the job of a referee is to protect both boxers—not let the bout turn into an uncontrolled mess.
Tshikeva followed the ref’s command and paid for it with a knockout. That’s not just unlucky—that’s unacceptable.
The role of the official is to create a safe, fair environment for competition. And when they fail that role? There need to be consequences.
My Final Verdict
The David Adeleye Jeamie Tshikeva controversy is exactly the kind of moment that tests the integrity of the sport. If the BBBoC lets this one slide, they’re telling fighters that safety depends on the spotlight—not the rulebook.
And that’s not the sport I grew up watching.
What Do You Think?
Alright, that’s my take. But I want yours. Because if fans don’t speak up, nothing changes.
- Was the KO fair or should it be ruled a no contest?
Should the BBBoC step in and order a rematch? - And should referees be more accountable for their mistakes?
Drop your thoughts in the comments
Share this post with your fellow fight fans if you think something needs to change
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Let’s not stay quiet. The sport deserves better.