David Adeleye Stops Tshikeva in the Sixth to Claim British Heavyweight Crown

Manchester, UK - David Adeleye’s rebuilding effort took a major step forward on Saturday night, as he scored a sixth-round TKO victory over Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester to claim the vacant British heavyweight title.

After a fight marked by scrappy exchanges, tired legs, and constant clinching, it was a thunderous left hook from Adeleye that finally cracked things open. The shot dropped Tshikeva hard midway through the sixth round. Though the Congolese-born Londoner beat the count, Adeleye closed the show moments later with a follow-up barrage that left the referee no choice but to wave it off.

The knockdown, however, carried a touch of controversy. The punch appeared to land during a break in action, just as Tshikeva was turning away. While the referee allowed the action to continue — and the stoppage stood — the moment raised eyebrows among some observers. As of now, the incident is not being formally pursued or reviewed.

The stoppage win puts Adeleye back in the spotlight after a frustrating 2023 loss to Fabio Wardley halted his momentum. With Saturday’s victory, the 28-year-old adds the British title to his résumé, having already held the English strap.

The fight itself offered few clean moments early. Tshikeva used his jab well in spurts, particularly in the third and fifth rounds, while Adeleye spent long stretches headhunting with power shots and neglecting the fundamentals. Holding plagued much of the action, drawing multiple warnings from the referee and scattered boos from a restless Manchester crowd.

But when the moment came, Adeleye delivered.

The left hook that floored Tshikeva landed with speed and authority — a reminder of the natural power Adeleye possesses, even in less-than-ideal form. With the crowd roaring and Tshikeva hurt, Adeleye poured on a finishing flurry that ensured there would be no doubt.

Tshikeva, now 8-2, had shown toughness and discipline in the earlier rounds, but the power differential ultimately proved too much.

For Adeleye, now 14-1 (13 KOs), this win doesn’t just put a belt around his waist — it reopens the door to bigger nights. He remains one of Britain’s most intriguing heavyweight talents, still developing, still flawed, but undeniably dangerous.

The British title may not be the final destination, but it’s a powerful symbol that Adeleye is back on track — and still a threat in the heavyweight mix.