On the surface, Zak Chelli faces a daunting challenge this Saturday when he steps into the ring with world-class light-heavyweight contender David Morrell.
Chelli’s career has been hampered by a lack of activity over the past 20 months, with only one fight—a win for the English title—since he lost a unanimous decision to Callum Simpson in August 2024. Additionally, the former British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion has never competed at world level at 168lbs, let alone at 175lbs, as he looks to pull off a major upset against Morrell.
The talented Cuban was originally scheduled to face Callum Smith last month, but an injury forced Smith out of their highly anticipated bout. In an odd twist, Morrell will now fight Chelli on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
Chelli attributes his inactivity to “contract issues” and “other things behind the scenes,” telling Boxing News that he has stayed active in the gym. Meanwhile, he has struggled to get domestic opponents to take risks against him, but now he is taking a significant risk for a greater reward.
“When I say I want big fights, I mean it. As you can see, I’m fighting David Morrell – trying to prove to them [my domestic counterparts] that I’m above their level,” Chelli said. “I’m coming up to 10 years as a pro, so I know how the process works; I know the business. You’ve got to be patient, because you can have that one phone call that changes your life.”
Alongside his professional career, Chelli works for a company called Time Out Boxing, teaching fundamentals to children with special educational needs or behavioral issues. He says the kids initially mistake him for an “aggressive guy,” but then get to know him and “show a lot of respect.”
The Londoner may have a tougher time earning Morrell’s respect, though this is an opportunity he actively pursued. “As soon as Callum Smith got injured, my dad literally went on every social media post and said: ‘Give [Morrell] to my son.’ Then we got a phone call from Alfie Warren [of Warren Boxing Management], telling us this fight could be made.”
While aware of Morrell’s reputation—having lost a competitive decision to David Benavidez in February 2025—Chelli feels no need to extensively study the 28-year-old. He is, however, familiar with being the underdog, which has motivated him in past performances against Jack Cullen and Anthony Sims Jr. in 2020 and 2023.
“I haven’t seen much of [Morrell], to be honest, but I know Benavidez is a good fighter and he did manage to go 12 rounds with Benavidez, so I’m not going to underestimate him. But, on May 9, I’ll show people my level and what I’m capable of,” Chelli said. “I’ve had a lot of people doubting me in many of my fights, but I think that motivates me to do better.”
As for a game plan, Chelli hasn’t settled on one ahead of his clash with Morrell, who last fought in July, earning a split decision victory over Olympic bronze medalist Imam Khataev. Instead, he prefers to be ready for any scenario rather than focusing on a specific style, especially given he had only three to four weeks’ notice.
“I don’t really think specific sparring helps because, when you’re in the ring with someone, they’re always going to be different to how [you’ve previously seen] them,” he said. “But, with southpaws, I’ve fought many of them and have always done well. I’m always expecting the unexpected. Anything that comes my way, I’ll adapt and manoeuvre around it.”
Regardless of the outcome, Chelli will remain mandatory for the British title at 175lbs, which takes some pressure off his showdown with Morrell. That said, he clearly wants to get his career back on track.
