Francesca Hennessy to Lead Clarke vs Tshikeva Undercard in BBC Boxing Spectacular

Rising star Francesca Hennessy set for toughest test yet on BBC’s Clarke vs Tshikeva card

Francesca Hennessy is ready for her biggest night in boxing so far — a co-main event slot on a nationally televised BBC card. The 20-year-old prospect from Sevenoaks will take on former world champion Fabiana Bytyqi on Saturday, 25 October, live from Derby Arena. The bout, part of a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer, will see Hennessy share the stage with heavyweight contender Frazer Clarke as he defends his British title against Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva.

It’s a major platform for both fighters, but for Hennessy in particular, this could be the moment that launches her from rising domestic talent to a genuine global name.

“I’ve worked for this my whole life,” Hennessy said with confidence ahead of the fight. “This is my moment. I’ll bring the energy and give viewers maximum entertainment value. Women’s boxing has never been bigger, and I’m determined to take it even further.”

Her words carry the tone of someone who understands the significance of this opportunity — not just for herself, but for the continued growth of women’s boxing in the UK.

BBC and Boxxer join forces to bring boxing back to mainstream television,

For fans, this card represents something special. The BBC’s collaboration with Boxxer marks the return of live professional boxing to free-to-air television, something British fans haven’t seen on this scale for years. It’s a sign that the sport, especially women’s boxing, is gaining the kind of mainstream traction once reserved for major football or cricket events.

The broadcast will be split between BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring maximum reach. Hennessy’s bantamweight clash with Bytyqi will air live on BBC Two — a primetime slot that could introduce her to millions of casual viewers.

“This is exactly what British boxing needs,” said Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom. “Francesca is a natural star who brings charisma, excitement, and real fighting talent. She’s ready for this stage, and the nation will see what makes her special.”

The partnership between Boxxer and the BBC has been months in the making, with both parties keen to deliver more accessible, high-quality live boxing. And with fighters like Hennessy leading the charge, the sport’s future on British TV looks bright.

Hennessy vs Bytyqi: A clash of youth and experience

Saturday’s fight pits two fighters from very different stages of their careers. On one side stands Francesca Hennessy — young, unbeaten, and ambitious. On the other, Fabiana Bytyqi — a former world champion with deep experience and a reputation for resilience.

Bytyqi, 29, from the Czech Republic, is a former WBC atomweight world champion with a professional record of 22 wins, two losses, and two draws. Although she has spent most of her career at lighter weights, her technical ability and ring IQ make her a dangerous opponent at any level.

Hennessy, meanwhile, boasts a perfect 6-0 record since turning professional in 2023. She’s fought with the flair and confidence of someone born to entertain, blending sharp movement with an aggressive, high-output style that has quickly earned her fans.

“I respect what Bytyqi has achieved,” Hennessy said. “She’s been where I want to go. But this fight is about showing that I belong on that level — that I can hang with world champions and beat them.”

For Hennessy, victory over a former titleholder like Bytyqi would be more than just another win — it would be proof that she’s ready for the next step toward world contention.

Frazer Clarke headlines a stacked BBC card

While Hennessy’s fight will serve as co-main event, the headline act belongs to Frazer Clarke, who defends his British heavyweight title against Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva. Clarke, an Olympic bronze medallist, is looking to strengthen his claim as one of Britain’s top heavyweights on the domestic scene.

The fight promises fireworks, with Tshikeva — known for his raw power and aggressive style — hoping to cause a major upset. For Clarke, a convincing win could set up future clashes with the likes of Fabio Wardley or even Daniel Dubois.

Underneath the two main fights, the undercard also brings a mix of rising stars and established names. Bobby Dalton will defend his English welterweight title against fellow unbeaten fighter Joel Kodua, while unbeaten middleweight Mauro Silva, managed by Chris Eubank Jr, faces Coventry’s Bradley Goldsmith.

It’s a well-balanced card designed to appeal to both hardcore and casual fans — and with the BBC’s coverage, it could mark the beginning of a new era for accessible boxing in Britain.

The new face of women’s boxing

Beyond the hype, Hennessy represents something bigger. At just 20, she’s already being talked about as the future of British women’s boxing. Her confidence, personality, and willingness to speak up for the sport make her a natural ambassador for its continued growth.

“I’m proud to bang the drum for women’s boxing,” she said. “We’re showing people that women’s fights can headline big shows, that we can sell tickets and deliver great performances. I want to keep pushing that forward.”

It’s that kind of attitude — grounded yet ambitious — that has promoters and fans so excited. In an era where names like Katie Taylor, Chantelle Cameron, and Natasha Jonas have already broken through, Hennessy feels like the next chapter in the story.

Ben Shalom clearly agrees. “She’s got everything — the skill, the drive, the personality,” he said. “We believe Francesca can become a world champion within the next 18 months.”

A night that could change everything

Saturday’s event in Derby isn’t just another fight night — it’s a statement. It’s about boxing’s place in British culture, about giving young talent a stage, and about showing the power of public broadcasting to unite fans behind great sport.

For Francesca Hennessy, it’s about seizing her moment. She’s fought her way up, proved herself time and again, and now she’s standing on the edge of something special.

Whether she wins or learns from defeat, one thing seems certain — this is only the beginning.

When the lights go up and the bell rings, the whole nation will be watching. And for a 20-year-old from Sevenoaks, that’s exactly how it should be.