Three opponents for new British heavyweight champion Jeamie TKV in 2026

Jeamie TKV became the British heavyweight champion at the second time of asking on Saturday night when he beat Olympic Bronze medallist Frazer Clarke by split decision. 

After losing to David Adeleye for the same belt in controversial circumstances in April, TKV's success in Derby has immediately thrust him into a crowded heavyweight scene in the UK. 

Next year could be an exciting one for TKV with a number of big fights against noteworthy opponents on the table, and DAZN News' Matt Astbury names three fighters who could be sharing the ring with the newly crowned British heavyweight champion. 

David Adeleye

Boxing loves a rematch, and there is no doubt TKV will want to get revenge on Adeleye. 

Their first encounter at Manchester's Co-op Live eight months ago saw Adeleye knock down TKV twice in the sixth, but it was events before the first which proved controversial. 

As the referee attempted to break a clinch, Adeleye used this as an opportunity to knock down TKV before finishing the contest later in the session. This prompted outcry from TKV's corner and a sense of injustice. 

Bouncing back from this loss to win the British title has sky rocketed TKV's confidence and after rocking Clarke in the latter stages of their fight, he will be confident the same can be done to Adeleye. 

There will also not just be fireworks inside the ring, but also fireworks outside of it. Remember the press conference flip? 

If TKV and Adeleye were to meet again, expect tensions to boil over once more before the heavyweight scrap. 

Dave Allen

In the immediate aftermath of TKV's victory, the name Dave Allen was immediately on the lips of boxing fans when it came to a British title defence. 

It does make sense. Allen is one of Britain's most popular fighters and commands a serious following. 

His career resurgence of the past 12 months has made him a major voice in the sport, and speaking on his YouTube channel, Allen claims that he is 'the biggest fight for TKV'. 

"Look, I know I’m not a world-beater, but I think at the level we’re at, British title level, I think I’m the biggest fight for anybody because it will bring the most eyes to it," Allen said.

"Who else is there really? Me, Dacres, TKV, Clarke, who has just got beat.

"I think I’m the biggest fight for TKV and he’s the biggest fight for me as well, he’s the British champion."

But in order to make this happen, Allen needs to return to winning ways after being beaten by Arslanbek Makhmudov in October, and he will get the chance to do that on the undercard of Leigh Wood's rematch with Josh Warring on February 21 in Nottingham.

Richard Riakporhe

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

The former British cruiserweight champion Richard Riakporhe is a left field choice for TKV's first British heavyweight title defence, but he would be more than worthy of a shot at Lonsdale glory. 

Since making the move to heavyweight in May, Riakporhe has wasted no time, winning his two fights at the weight by stoppage. His most recent came against Tommy Welch on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr's rematch with Conor Benn. 

At the age of 35, there are not many years left for Riakporhe to continue challenging at the top level, so he needs to strike while he's hot at heavyweight. 

If a TKV-Riakporhe fight for the British heavyweight title was to be made, then it will be intriguing to see whether TKV favouring to fight on the inside will be a sensible move when trying Riakporhe and his destructive right hand. 

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