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Zak Chelli signs Zuffa Boxing deal after stunning David Morrell

Fulham light-heavyweight Zak Chelli has signed a multi-fight Zuffa Boxing contract and will fight on Sky Sports, with his first date and opponent still to be named.

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Zak Chelli, the British light-heavyweight who has signed with Zuffa Boxing

Zak Chelli has signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, securing a return to Sky Sports after his upset victory over David Morrell.

The Fulham light-heavyweight, who works as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey, stopped Morrell in the 10th round in Manchester in May after accepting the fight on two weeks’ notice.

His signing was announced on Wednesday 4 November. A date and opponent for his Zuffa debut have not yet been confirmed.

“I’m thrilled that my fights will once again be shown on Sky Sports,” Chelli said in the broadcaster’s announcement. “I’ve fought on Sky many times, and they’ve always treated me well.”

Zak Chelli next fight: debut announcement still to come

Chelli joins a Zuffa light-heavyweight roster that includes Radivoje Kalajdzic and Joe Ward, but the announcement does not identify his first opponent.

The 28-year-old has a professional record of 17 wins, three defeats and one draw, with nine victories by knockout. FIGHTMAG reports that he is ranked third by the WBO and 15th by both the IBF and WBC.

Chelli has made clear the level of opposition he wants.

“I’m over the moon, I want the top fights and big names,” he told Sky Sports Boxing, in comments reported by Boxing News 24/7.

The outlet reported that he hopes to return before the end of 2026, although that remains a target rather than a confirmed booking.

David Morrell victory earns Chelli a bigger opportunity

Chelli’s win over Morrell changed the scale of his ambitions at light-heavyweight.

He took the bout at short notice, recovered from an early deficit and stopped the Cuban in round 10. Morrell had previously held WBA Regular titles at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight.

For Chelli, it was a significant step beyond the domestic title fights that had established his name. His next opponent will provide a clearer indication of how Zuffa plans to build on that result.

From the classroom to British and Commonwealth titles

Chelli combines his boxing career with work as a supply teacher, but he brings substantial professional experience to the new deal.

He beat Germaine Brown to win the English super-middleweight title in 2022 and later defeated Anthony Sims Jr.

A victory over Jack Cullen brought the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles in 2024. After losing to Callum Simpson at Oakwell in Barnsley, Chelli moved up and stopped Adam Hepple to claim the English light-heavyweight belt.

OpponentSignificance of Chelli’s victory
Germaine BrownWon the English super-middleweight title
Jack CullenWon the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles
Adam HeppleWon the English light-heavyweight title
David MorrellSecured a 10th-round stoppage in Manchester

Read more about the domestic scene in our British boxing coverage.

Is Zak Chelli on the next Zuffa Boxing card?

Chelli has not been announced for Zuffa Boxing 12 in London on Saturday 7 November. His signing should not be treated as confirmation that he will appear on that bill.

Chris Billam-Smith faces Cheavon Clarke in the headline cruiserweight contest. Our Billam-Smith vs Clarke TV and undercard guide covers the event.

CONFIRMEDConfirmed by a primary source or official statement.
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