Zak Chelli, the schoolteacher-turned-boxer from Fulham, has signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, the promotion announced. The deal means his fights will be broadcast on Sky Sports, where he has previously competed. The Zak Chelli Zuffa Boxing partnership follows the biggest victory of his career, a knockout of highly rated Cuban David Morrell that shocked the boxing world.
From Classroom to Contender
Chelli, who works as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey, accepted the Morrell fight on two weeks’ notice. Morrell, a two-division titlist at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, was heavily favoured. Chelli overcame an early deficit and stopped Morrell in the tenth round, a result that immediately elevated his profile. The win was one of the most significant upsets in recent British boxing history.
That performance has now earned Chelli a place in Zuffa Boxing’s light-heavyweight division, which also includes Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic and Joe Ward. His debut for the promotion is expected to be announced soon.
Championship Pedigree
Chelli is a former British, Commonwealth and English champion. He won the Lonsdale belt and the Commonwealth title by defeating Jack Cullen. In 2022, he claimed the English super-middleweight title with a win over Germaine Brown. He also upset the previously unbeaten American Anthony Sims Jr.
After suffering a defeat to Callum Simpson in a headline event at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, Chelli rebounded with a knockout of Adam Hepple to capture the English light-heavyweight title. That victory set the stage for the Morrell fight and his subsequent signing with Zuffa.
Chelli's Ambitions
In a statement, Chelli expressed gratitude for the opportunity and praised Zuffa for backing fighters it believes in. He also welcomed the return to Sky Sports, noting that the broadcaster has always treated him well. Looking ahead, he made clear his willingness to take on any challenge.
“I want to make the fights that the fans want to see,” Chelli said. “I’m ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I’ve proven that throughout my career.”
With his signature secured, Chelli now sets his sights on climbing the light-heavyweight ranks and forcing his way into world class. His story—from supply teacher to headline fighter—continues to capture attention, and his new platform with Zuffa Boxing and Sky Sports will give him the chance to build on his breakthrough win.
