Zak Chelli names the fight he wants after stunning Morrell win

On May 9, at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, on the Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley undercard, the highly-rated Cuban David Morrell faced Zak Chelli in the light heavyweight division. It was expected to be a routine night for Morrell, against Chelli, who, despite mixing at a good level in the past, was taking a huge step up in class to face Morrell. Chelli was a 10-1 underdog, but ripped up the script and stunned the boxing world, beating Morrell. After that sensational upset, Chelli spoke to The Ring and revealed the one fighter he wants to face next.

Zak Chelli stuns David Morrell on May 9

Morrell (12-2, 9 KOs) was expected to deal with Londoner Chelli (17-3-1, 9 KOs) with relative ease. Morrell looked comfortable early on, establishing the distance well and showcasing impressive hand speed.

Chelli landed a great punch in the fifth, clearly frustrating Morrell, who applied more pressure in the sixth round. The Cuban was clearly ahead on the cards, despite Chelli having his moments. In the ninth round, Chelli landed a huge right hand, forcing Morrell back onto the ropes, with the referee looking closely at Morrell. It appeared the Cuban had navigated through that difficult period, when Chelli rocked his opponent again in the final round, before following up with some huge shots, leaving Morrell out cold on his feet, forcing the referee to jump in and wave the fight off.

Morrell had been set to face Callum Smith for the WBO interim title four weeks earlier, before an injury to Smith led to the cancellation of that fight. Many considered Zak Chelli as a mere tune-up fight for the Cuban.

Zak Chelli reveals the fight he wants next

With Morrell-Smith expected to be rearranged, that fight is now in tatters, due to Chelli’s stunning upset win, and the 28-year-old Londoner is looking to face Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) next, who was last seen defeating Joshua Buatsi in a highly entertaining fight in Riyadh: 

“If Morrell was meant to fight Callum Smith for the interim title next then that’s what I want,” Chelli said. “I’ve seen people say about fighting Canelo [Alvarez], David Benavidez or Ben Whittaker but I want Callum Smith next.

“They should really come to me because I’ve beaten Morrell and I have earned what he was meant to have. I beat him in good style and knocked him out. Not even Benavidez could do that to him,” added Chelli.

Recalling a previous sparring session with Smith in 2023, Chelli said: 

“I remember I left my house at 4 a.m. and got up there for 10 a.m. so we could spar in Liverpool,” Chelli said. “He was preparing to fight Artur Beterbiev and I was preparing to fight Jack Cullen a week later.

“We did six rounds, I beat him up for six rounds and then I got back in the car and drove home. The next day, his trainer calls and says they want to spar again, but this time for eight rounds. So I get back in the car at 4 a.m. and drive up there again. We were supposed to do eight but after six he’s like, ‘No more.’ So I’m pretty confident I can beat this guy.

“Once that was done, I just got back in the car and drove home.”

Beating Morrell is one of the biggest upsets in recent boxing history, and one that will change Zak Chelli’s life.