Zak Chelli, the unyielding fighting schoolteacher from Fulham who captured the imagination of the global boxing community, has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, with his upcoming bouts set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The Londoner enters this new chapter of his career riding the wave of the finest and most defining victory of his professional journey. In a result that sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Chelli produced a stunning, career-defining knockout to defeat Cuba’s David Morrell, instantly elevating his status and establishing himself as a major player on the international stage.
Morrell, a formidable and elite light-heavyweight contender, possessed an exceptional pedigree inside the squared circle. Prior to his encounter with Chelli, the Cuban standout had previously held prestigious WBA regular titles at both 168 pounds and 175 pounds. His elite capabilities were further underscored during a fiercely competitive WBC Interim championship clash against the exceptionally talented David Benavidez, a battle in which Morrell went the full distance and proved his mettle at the highest level of the sport.
With his sensational triumph over such an imposing opponent, Chelli has firmly positioned himself as a fighter with championship aspirations, setting his sights on forcing his way to the very top of a fiercely competitive division. Details regarding his highly anticipated Zuffa Boxing debut are expected to be officially announced in the near future, marking the next step in what promises to be an exhilarating promotional partnership.
Chelli joins Zuffa Boxing’s vibrant and heavily stacked light-heavyweight stable, a roster that already boasts formidable talents including Radivoje "Hot Rod" Kalajdzic, Joe Ward, and other dangerous contenders looking to stake their claim to world championship glory.
Reflecting on the monumental career development, Chelli expressed immense gratitude for the backing of his new promotional home. "I’m grateful for this opportunity. Zuffa is looking for fighters that they believe in, and I’m proud to be in that category," Chelli said.
The British contender also voiced his enthusiasm about returning to a familiar and supportive broadcasting home on Sky Sports. "I’m thrilled that my fights will once again be shown on Sky Sports. I’ve fought on Sky many times, and they’ve always treated me well," he noted.
"I want to make the fights that the fans want to see. I’m ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I’ve proven that throughout my career."
Chelli’s path to this significant promotional milestone has been forged through determination, resilience, and a willingness to test himself against top-tier domestic and international competition. A former British champion, Chelli previously carved his name into British boxing history when he defeated Jack Cullen to claim both the prestigious Lonsdale belt and the Commonwealth super-middleweight championships in a commanding display.
Before his success at the British and Commonwealth level, the Londoner established his dominance domestically by capturing the English super-middleweight title in 2022 following a hard-fought victory over Germaine Brown. Over the course of his journey, he has continually embraced tough challenges, including securing a notable upset win over the highly-touted American prospect Anthony Sims Jr.
Even when faced with setbacks, Chelli has consistently demonstrated an ability to regroup and rebuild. Following a hard-fought defeat to Callum Simpson in their high-profile headline event at the Oakwell stadium in Barnsley, Chelli wasted no time returning to winning ways. He bounced back in emphatic fashion by securing a dominant knockout victory over Adam Hepple, a performance that earned him the English light-heavyweight title and paved the way for his subsequent exploits.
Beyond the bright lights of major boxing arenas, Chelli maintains a remarkably grounded lifestyle, balancing his rigorous professional training camps with a demanding day job as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey. This unique dual identity has endeared him to fans and pundits alike, often drawing comparisons to classic boxing narratives.
That narrative reached cinematic proportions when Chelli accepted a bout against the heavily favored David Morrell on just two weeks’ notice. What followed was widely regarded as one of the most astonishing upsets in modern boxing history. Overcoming an early deficit on the judges’ scorecards and weathering the storm against a fearsome two-division titlist, Chelli turned the tide dramatically in the 10th round, landing a devastating blow that rendered Morrell unconscious and instantly etched his name into boxing folklore with a Rocky-esque knockout for the ages.
Now, with a multi-fight agreement secured with Zuffa Boxing and a homecoming of sorts on Sky Sports, Zak Chelli is ready to embark on the most important phase of his career as he seeks to conquer the light-heavyweight division and prove that his stunning night against Morrell was merely the beginning of a remarkable championship reign.
