David Adeleye`s win against Jeamie Tshikeva for the British heavyweight title is being heavily debated due to a controversial referee decision.
The highly anticipated British heavyweight title fight between rivals David Adeleye and Jeamie Tshikeva lived up to expectations in terms of action, but the ending sparked significant controversy.
For the first five rounds, Adeleye and Tshikeva exchanged heavy blows in a fiercely contested battle. However, the sixth round witnessed a dramatic and questionable shift in momentum.
During a routine clinch, referee Ron Kearney intervened to separate the fighters. In doing so, Kearney appeared to push down Tshikeva`s gloves just before Adeleye unleashed a powerful left hook. This action left Tshikeva vulnerable, leading to a knockdown.
Outraged Boxing Fans Condemn Controversial Ending
Tshikeva managed to get back to his feet after the count, but Adeleye quickly pressed his advantage. Another knockdown followed, prompting the referee to stop the fight, awarding Adeleye a TKO victory.
Boxing fans immediately took to social media to express their anger and disbelief at the referee`s intervention in the Adeleye vs. Tshikeva fight.
“A rematch is essential, although part of me doesn`t even want to see it again,” one fan commented on social media platform X.
Another fan stated, “The refereeing was absolutely scandalous and could have resulted in serious injury to Tshikeva. An immediate rematch is necessary. Adeleye wasn`t dominating Tshikeva before that incident at all.”
Another comment highlighted the basic boxing principle: “What was the ref doing! It just proves the old saying… protect yourself at all times.”
Further fan reactions included: “The ref caused that stoppage,” “Referee error led to the stoppage. Adeleye is a strong fighter and probably would have won fairly. But this wasn`t it. Rematch needed,” “NO CONTEST!”, “Extremely controversial,” “Clear foul. Rematch should be ordered,” “This will be ruled a No Contest and a rematch will be set,” and “NO CONTEST. Disgraceful refereeing. This referee should be banned from officiating boxing matches forever.”
Tshikeva`s corner team was visibly furious, seen yelling at referee Kearney after the fight was stopped, clearly upset about the controversial sequence moments before. It remains to be seen whether Tshikeva and his team will formally appeal the decision to push for a rematch and a no-contest ruling.
Rematch Possible After Contentious Fight
The animosity between Adeleye and Tshikeva was evident even before the fight. They engaged in a physical altercation at the pre-fight press conference, which included throwing a table.
Adeleye entered this fight on the back of a victory over Solomon Dacres for the English heavyweight title in December, a rebound after his first professional loss to Fabio Wardley. Adeleye is highly regarded in boxing circles, considered a top heavyweight prospect alongside Moses Itauma. For Tshikeva, this controversial defeat ended a three-fight winning streak.
Given the controversial nature of their bout, an Adeleye vs. Tshikeva rematch seems highly likely. The buildup to a second fight will undoubtedly focus on the unresolved issues from their first encounter.
