Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena roared on 5 April 2025 as David Adeleye claimed the vacant British heavyweight title with a dramatic sixth-round stoppage of Jeamie Tshikeva (TKV). The contest, sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control and promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions in association with BOXXER, brought two London rivals together for the coveted Lonsdale Belt.

The tale of the tape showed contrast. Adeleye, from Ladbroke Grove, scaled 239 lbs and entered with a record of 13 victories, 12 by knockout, against one defeat. Tshikeva, from Tottenham, weighed 254 lbs and carried the IBO International title into the ring with an eight-win ledger, five coming inside the distance, and also one defeat.

From the opening bell, Tshikeva sought to establish his jab and use his extra weight to dictate position. The early rounds saw him move well and frustrate Adeleye, who was forced to wait for his chance. Tshikeva’s crouching stance and dipping movement kept him elusive, and his jab to head and body earned him some success with the judges. At times Adeleye looked impatient, swinging wildly and missing, while Tshikeva’s steadier output gave the impression of a man in control.

But Adeleye’s reputation is built on power, and in the fifth his intent sharpened. Planting his feet, he began to let the right hand go, finding the target and slowing Tshikeva’s movement. The breakthrough came in the sixth, when a blistering left hook crashed through. Tshikeva reeled backwards, clearly dazed, and another heavy shot sent him down. Rising unsteadily, he looked towards his corner, legs betraying him. Referee Ron Kearney gave him a chance to continue, but Adeleye pounced, landing again with authority. With Tshikeva in no condition to defend himself, the referee waved it off at 55 seconds of the round.

The conclusion was not without debate. Tshikeva’s team argued that the referee’s intervention during a clinch, moments before the decisive blow, had unsettled their fighter. In the red corner, trainer Barry Smith voiced his protests, while Ben Davison shook his head in disbelief. Nevertheless, the result stood: David Adeleye, the new British heavyweight champion by technical knockout.

The official attendance witnessed history as Adeleye lifted the venerable Lonsdale Belt, fulfilling a long-stated ambition. For Tshikeva, who had boxed effectively through the first four rounds, the defeat was a bitter pill, though his bravery in rising after heavy knockdowns drew respect.

The Co-Op Live crowd will long remember the night when two proud London heavyweights clashed, and David Adeleye’s power finally settled a tense and fiery contest.