{{Short description|English boxer (born 1997)}} {{Infobox boxer | name = Zak Chelli | realname = | nickname = | image = | caption = | weight ={{plainlist| *Super middleweight *Light heavyweight }} | height = 6 ft 0 in<ref name=chelli/> | reach = | nationality = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|11|26|df=yes}}<ref name=chelli>{{cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/218203-zak-chelli|title=Zak Chelli|publisher=tapology.com|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref> | birth_place = London, England<ref name=chelli/> | death_date = | death_place = | style = Orthodox | boxrec=785984 | total =21 | wins =17 | KO =9 | losses =3 | draws =1 | no contests = }}
'''Zak Chelli''' (born 26 November 1997) is an English professional boxer. He has held the English light-heavyweight title since June 2025. Chelli is also a former British, Commonwealth, English and WBA Continental super-middleweight champion.
==Career== Chelli made his professional debut at York Hall in London on 24 February 2017, stopping Jacob Lucas in the third of their scheduled four-round encounter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/sport/21233862.chelli-snatches-time-shine-hands/|title=Chelli snatches his 'time to shine' with both hands|date=2 March 2017 |publisher=Islington Gazette|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
He won his first professional title in his eighth fight, claiming the vacant Southern Area super-middleweight crown with a unanimous decision victory over Jimmy Smith at Wembley Arena on 27 April 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zak-chelli-beats-jimmy-smith-grabs-southern-area-belt--138424|title=Zak Chelli Beats Jimmy Smith, Grabs Southern Area Belt|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/life/03082019-zak-chelli-world-champion-aims|title=I am always ready for a fight: Fulham boxer Zak Chelli sets sights on being world champion|date=2 August 2019 |publisher=South West Londoner|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
On 10 November 2020, Chelli defeated Vladimir Georgiev by unanimous decision and Mike McGoldrick via a second round stoppage at BT Sport Studio in Stratford to win the Boxxer VII tournament and secure a two-year contract with the promotional company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zak-chelli-wins-boxxer-tournament-bt-sport-studios-london--153165|title=Zak Chelli Wins BOXXER Tournament at BT Sport Studios in London|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.secondsout.com/news/zak-chelli-wins-boxxer-tournament-and-makes-it-look-easy/|title=Zak Chelli wins Boxxer tournament and makes it look easy|date=11 November 2020 |publisher=Seconds Out|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxxer.com/news/super-middleweights-btsport-itv4/|title=Red-Hot Chelli storms Super-Middleweight Tournament, wins long-term BOXXER contract|date=10 November 2020 |publisher=boxxer.com|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
He became English super-middleweight champion by dethroning Germaine Brown with a unanimous decision success at Wembley Arena on 11 June 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zak-chelli-outboxes-germaine-brown-viddal-riley-blows-out-jone-volau--166914|title=Zak Chelli Outboxes Germaine Brown, Viddal Riley Blows Out Jone Volau|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
At the same venue on 11 February 2023, Chelli took the WBA Continental super-middleweight title thanks to a unanimous decision win over Anthony Sims Jr.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/chelli-overcame-sims-jr-to-win-the-wba-regional-belt|title=Chelli overcame Sims Jr. to win the WBA regional belt |date=13 February 2023 |publisher=wbaboxing.com|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zak-chelli-outworks-anthony-sims-over-ten-viddal-riley-wins--172419|title=Zak Chelli Outworks Anthony Sims Over Ten, Viddal Riley Wins|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/12808607/zak-chelli-takes-upset-win-over-anthony-sims-i-outboxed-the-boxer-it-doesnt-get-any-better|title=Zak Chelli takes upset win over Anthony Sims: "I outboxed the boxer. It doesn't get any better!"|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
He lost his English title to Mark Jeffers at Manchester Arena on 1 July 2023, going down to a unanimous decision defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/mark-jeffers-outpoints-zak-chelli-over-ten-rounds--175816|title=Mark Jeffers Outpoints Zak Chelli Over Ten Rounds|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
Chelli challenged British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Jack Cullen at Liverpool Arena on 20 January 2024, winning the bout by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13052550/zak-chelli-defeats-jack-cullen-to-win-the-british-and-commonwealth-super-middleweight-championships|title=Zak Chelli defeats Jack Cullen to win the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight championships|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zak-chelli-fights-past-jack-cullen-unanimous-decision-captures-british-commonwealth-titles--180852|title=Zak Chelli Fights Past Jack Cullen For Unanimous Decision, Captures British, Commonwealth Titles|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
In his first defense at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley on 3 August 2024, he lost his titles via unanimous decision to Callum Simpson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13189894/callum-simpson-overcomes-zak-chelli-in-hometown-triumph-to-win-british-and-commonwealth-championships|title=Callum Simpson overcomes Zak Chelli in hometown triumph to win British and Commonwealth championships|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/callum-simpson-dethrones-zak-chelli-win-super-middleweight-titles--185171|title=Callum Simpson dethrones Zak Chelli to win super-middleweight titles|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
After more than 10 months out of the competitive boxing ring, Chelli returned to face Adam Hepple for the vacant English light-heavyweight title at York Hall in London on 27 June 2025. Ahead on all three judges' scorecards and having already sent his opponent to the canvas in the ninth round, Chelli won the fight by knockout in the 10th and final round when Hepple failed to beat the referee's 10-count after being dropped by a punch to his body.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/news/2025/07/fulham-fighter-crowned-new-english-light-heavyweight-champion|title=Fulham fighter crowned new English light-heavyweight champion|publisher=London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham|access-date=1 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/other-sport/adam-hepples-dream-to-become-english-light-heavyweight-champion-ends-in-defeat-5206792|title=Adam Hepple's dream to become English light-heavyweight champion ends in defeat|publisher=Sunderland Echo|access-date=1 May 2026}}</ref>
He took on former two-weight WBA (Regular) champion David Morrell at Co-op Live in Manchester on 9 May 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/zak-chelli-on-facing-david-morrell-we-asked-for-it/304930|title=Zak Chelli On Facing David Morrell: "We Asked For It"|publisher=Boxing 24/7|access-date=1 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/zak-chelli-explains-how-he-snared-showdown-with-david-morrell|title=Zak Chelli explains how he snared showdown with David Morrell|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=1 May 2026}}</ref> In a massive upset, Chelli won by technical knockout in the 10th and final round for the second bout in a row. While Morrell controlled most of the early portion of the fight, Chelli continued to land several overhand rights that gradually took their toll. Morrell came under major pressure at the end of the ninth and again in the 10th, the latter leading to a severe beating that prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/3zAboQev5YdlDToUUw0vsH|title=David Morrell KO'd by Zak Chelli in stunning upset|publisher=The Ring|access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/zak-chelli-stuns-david-morrell-to-earn-career-changing-stoppage|title=Zak Chelli stuns David Morrell to earn career-changing stoppage|publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== Chelli was born in England to a Tunisian father and Italian mother. His father was a national boxer in Tunisia, before moving to Italy where he won a title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.italianinsider.it/?q=node/12714|title=British boxing star with Italian roots Zak Chelli set for showdown in Barnsley|website=www.italianinsider.it}}</ref> He has a degree in business, management and marketing from the University of Surrey and, after gaining a teaching qualification, began working as a substitute teacher during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/67994752|title=Zak Chelli: Super-middleweight went from teaching in lockdown to fighting for a British title|work=BBC Sport |date=20 January 2024 |access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=background>{{cite web|url=https://britishboxingnews.co.uk/news/zak-chelli-game-boxing-sportsboom/ |title=Zak Chelli reveals the game he plays to sharpen his mind for boxing |work=British Boxing News}}</ref> Away from the boxing ring, he continues to be employed in teaching as of May 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/may/14/zak-chelli-supply-teacher-turned-boxing-sensation-interview|title='Give him the pain': meet Zak Chelli, the supply teacher turned boxing sensation|work=The Guardian|accessdate=24 May 2026}}</ref> Chelli is a keen chess player having taken up the boardgame while at school.<ref name=background/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsboom.com/boxing/exclusive-lightheavyweight-contender-zak-chelli-enjoying-chess-boxing-ahead-of-title-challenge/|title=Exclusive: Checkmate and Chin Checks as Zak Chelli Banks on Chess to Sharpen Ring IQ|work=sportsboom.com|accessdate=24 May 2026}}</ref>
== Professional boxing record == {{BoxingRecordSummary |draws=1 |nc= |ko-wins=9 |ko-losses= |dec-wins=8 |dec-losses=3 |dq-wins= |dq-losses= }} {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |- |21 |{{yes2}}Win |17–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|David Morrell |TKO |10 (10), {{small|2:24}} |9 May 2026 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Co-op Live, Manchester, England}} | |- |20 |{{yes2}}Win |16–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Adam Hepple |KO |10 (10), {{small|0:29}} |27 Jun 2025 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant English light-heavyweight title}} |- |19 |{{no2}}Loss |15–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Callum Simpson |UD |12 |3 Aug 2024 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles}} |- |18 |{{yes2}}Win |15–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jack Cullen |UD |12 |20 Jan 2024 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Echo Arena, Liverpool, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles}} |- |17 |{{yes2}}Win |14–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jordan Grannum |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |4 (4), {{small|2:02}} |23 Sep 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}} | |- |16 |{{no2}}Loss |13–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Mark Jeffers |UD |10 |1 Jul 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Manchester Arena, Manchester, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost English super-middleweight title}} |- |15 |{{yes2}}Win |13–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Anthony Sims Jr. |UD |10 |11 Feb 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}} | |- |14 |{{yes2}}Win |12–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Germaine Brown |UD |10 |11 Jun 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won English super-middleweight title}} |- |13 |{{yes2}}Win |11–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jack Kilgannon |TKO |6 (8), {{small|2:59}} |2 Apr 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Newcastle Arena, Newcastle, England}} | |- |12 |{{yes2}}Win |10–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Bohdan Harkavyi |TKO |3 (6), {{small|2:53}} |10 Apr 2021 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kyiv, Ukraine}} | |- |11 |{{yes2}}Win |9–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Mike McGoldrick |TKO |2 (3), {{small|1:31}} |10 Nov 2020 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|BT Sports Studio, London, England}} | |- |10 |{{yes2}}Win |8–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Vladimir Georgiev |UD |3 |10 Nov 2020 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|BT Sports Studio, London, England}} | |- |9 |{{draw}}Draw |7–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jack Cullen |{{abbr|SD|Split draw}} |10 |22 Aug 2020 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Matchroom Sport Headquarters, Brentwood, England}} | |- |8 |{{no2}}Loss |7–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Kody Davies |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |10 |14 Sep 2019 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}} | |- |7 |{{yes2}}Win |7–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Jimmy Smith |PTS |10 |27 Apr 2019 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won Southern Area super-middleweight title.}} |- |6 |{{yes2}}Win |6–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Ladislav Nemeth |TKO |1 (6), {{small|0:59}} |9 Mar 2019 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Woodside Leisure Centre, Watford, England}} | |- |5 |{{yes2}}Win |5–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Umar Sadiq |PTS |8 |20 Oct 2018 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, England}} | |- |4 |{{yes2}}Win |4–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Przemyslaw Binienda |TKO |2 (4), {{small|2:16}} |2 Mar 2018 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}} | |- |3 |{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Adam Jones |{{abbr|PTS|Points}} |6 |16 Sep 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small| Copper Box Arena, London, England}} | |- |2 |{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Chris Dutton |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |2 (4), {{small|2:17}} |13 May 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|First Direct Arena, Leeds, England}} | |- |1 |{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Jacob Lucas |{{abbr|TD|Technical decision}} |3 (4), {{small|2:10}} |24 Feb 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}} | |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chelli, Zak}} Category:Living people Category:1997 births Category:English male boxers Category:British male boxers Category:English people of Tunisian descent Category:English people of Italian descent Category:Super-middleweight boxers Category:Light-heavyweight boxers Category:British Boxing Board of Control champions Category:Commonwealth Boxing Council champions Category:21st-century English sportsmen Category:Sportspeople from London Category:Alumni of the University of Surrey