Zak Chelli has penned a multi-fight promotional agreement with Zuffa Boxing and will showcase his talents on Sky Sports, according to Sky Sports. The Fulham-based fighter's move comes on the back of one of the most remarkable victories in recent boxing memory.
The schoolteacher from London captured the boxing world's imagination when he delivered a devastating knockout against David Morrell, a highly-regarded light-heavyweight from Cuba who had previously held WBA regular titles at both 168lbs and 175lbs. Morrell had also demonstrated his quality by going the distance in a competitive encounter with the exceptional David Benavidez in a WBC Interim championship bout.
Chelli's breakthrough moment came when he accepted the fight with the heavily favoured Morrell on just two weeks' notice. He overcame an early deficit to produce a knockout for the ages, stopping the two-division titlist in the 10th round. According to CompuBox data, Chelli landed 89 of 370 punches, while Morrell connected with 133 of 403, with the decisive blow coming at 2:24 of the tenth round.
The victory represents the pinnacle of Chelli's career to date and has thrust him into contention at light-heavyweight. His ambitions are clear: he intends to climb towards the summit of the division and challenge for major honours.
Chelli's pedigree at domestic level is well-established. He captured the Lonsdale belt and Commonwealth title by defeating Jack Cullen, and previously held the English super-middleweight crown after overcoming Germaine Brown in 2022. He also produced an upset victory against the highly-touted American Anthony Sims Jr.
After suffering a setback to Callum Simpson in a headline clash at Oakwell stadium in Barnsley, Chelli demonstrated his resilience by bouncing back to knock out Adam Hepple. According to available records, this June 2025 victory marked his second consecutive 10th-round stoppage, securing the vacant English light-heavyweight title.
His new promotional home places him alongside an impressive roster of light-heavyweight talent. Zuffa Boxing's stable in the division includes Radivoje "Hot Rod" Kalajdzic, Joe Ward and other notable contenders.
Chelli, who works as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership.
I'm grateful for this opportunity. Zuffa is looking for fighters that they believe in, and I'm proud to be in that category,he said.
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.
The fighter's ambitions extend beyond securing a promotional deal.
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 journey from the classroom to the ring has captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide. His willingness to accept the Morrell fight on short notice, combined with his stunning execution in the ring, has established him as a genuine threat in the light-heavyweight division.
What comes next
Chelli's debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner will be confirmed in due course. The promotion has been active in building its Sky Sports schedule, with several high-profile matchups already lined up for the remainder of the year. Fans will be eager to see how quickly the promotion moves to secure a meaningful next opponent for their newest signing.
