Sports
Zak Chelli, the schoolteacher who stunned David Morrell, signs with Zuffa Boxing
British light heavyweight Zak Chelli, who knocked out David Morrell in May, has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing. His debut will be named soon.
Zak Chelli has a new home.
The British light heavyweight has signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, the company announced Wednesday. His first fight with the promotion will be announced soon.
Chelli said he was grateful for the chance. He added that he was proud to be one of the fighters the company believes in.
The upset that changed everything
In May the 28-year-old pulled off one of the biggest shocks in recent boxing. He took the fight with heavily favored David Morrell on two weeks' notice.
Chelli fell behind early. He hurt Morrell in the ninth round and stopped him in the 10th in Manchester, England.
Morrell, from Cuba, had held world titles in two weight classes.
Teacher by day
Chelli is from Fulham in London. He works as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey.
He turned pro in 2017 at super middleweight and won English, British and Commonwealth titles. He moved up to 175 pounds last year and won the English title in his first fight there.
He is now 17-3-1 with nine knockouts.
Ready for anyone
"I want to make the fights that the fans want to see," he said. "I'm ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I've proven that throughout my career."
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