Zak Chelli has officially signed a multi-fight promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing and will continue his career broadcasting live on Sky Sports. The agreement marks a major milestone for the Londoner, who has balanced a professional fighting career with life as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey, capturing the imagination
of British boxing fans through his relentless work ethic and underdog triumphs.
Chelli enters this next chapter of his career coming off what is widely regarded as the finest and most significant victory of his professional journey to date. In a performance that sent shockwaves through the international boxing community, the Fulham-born fighter produced a stunning, career-defining knockout to defeat Cuba’s heavily favored David Morrell.
Morrell, a world-class operator in the light-heavyweight division, previously held WBA regular titles at both 168 pounds and 175 pounds. His elite pedigree was further underlined by a highly competitive, full-distance battle against the exceptional David Benavidez in a WBC Interim championship clash. Entering the ring against Morrell on just two weeks’ notice, Chelli overcame an early deficit on the judges’ scorecards before authoring one of the most astonishing upsets in modern boxing history, stopping the two-division titlist in the 10th round of a truly unforgettable contest.
With the momentum of that monumental victory firmly behind him, Chelli is now setting his sights on forcing his way to the very top of the light-heavyweight division. Details regarding his highly anticipated Zuffa Boxing debut are expected to be announced in the near future.
The signing adds another formidable talent to Zuffa Boxing’s vibrant and growing light-heavyweight stable, which already features dangerous contenders such as Radivoje "Hot Rod" Kalajdzic and Joe Ward.
Reflecting on his new promotional home, Chelli expressed clear gratitude for the backing of a major global brand. "I’m grateful for this opportunity," Chelli said. "Zuffa is looking for fighters that they believe in, and I’m proud to be in that category."
The move also brings Chelli back to a familiar broadcasting home. Throughout his career, he has built a strong relationship with British fight fans through regular appearances on television screens across the nation. "I’m thrilled that my fights will once again be shown on Sky Sports," he added. "I’ve fought on Sky many times, and they’ve always treated me well."
Chelli has never shied away from elite competition, famously operating with a mindset centered on taking on any challenge presented to him. "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."
That willingness to take risks is written deeply into Chelli’s professional resume. A former British champion, Chelli earned the prestigious Lonsdale belt and the Commonwealth super-middleweight championship following a stellar victory over Jack Cullen. Prior to that breakthrough, he established his domestic credentials by claiming the English super-middleweight title in 2022 with a victory over Germaine Brown, alongside an impressive upset win over the highly touted American prospect Anthony Sims Jr.
Although Chelli experienced a setback when he was defeated by Callum Simpson in a high-profile headline event at the Oakwell stadium in Barnsley, he demonstrated his trademark resilience by bouncing back immediately. He returned to winning ways by stopping Adam Hepple to capture the English light-heavyweight title, proving once again that he thrives when facing adversity.
That resilience has been a hallmark of his journey, both inside and outside the squared circle. While many elite athletes focus exclusively on their training camps, Chelli has continued to maintain his career as a supply teacher at a Surrey secondary school, earning him the endearing moniker of the "fighting schoolteacher."
His career took on a cinematic quality when he accepted the Morrell assignment on short notice and delivered a Rocky-like knockout for the ages. Having proved he can compete with and conquer elite global opposition on short notice, Chelli is now primed for a fully prepared assault on the upper echelons of the light-heavyweight division under the Zuffa Boxing banner.