Chelli steps in after Callum Smith injury to face Morrell on Dubois vs Wardley undercard
Zak Chelli will face David Morrell on May 9 in Manchester after pushing to replace Callum Smith following his injury. The fight gives Morrell a return date and hands Chelli a step up against a proven contender.
The 16-3-1 (8 KOs) Londoner now faces Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) on May 9 in Manchester, on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ bout with Fabio Wardley. For Morrell, the fight ends a long stretch of inactivity after spending months chasing a clash with Smith that never materialized.
Chelli is coming off a mixed run. He dropped a decision to Callum Simpson in August 2024 but rebounded with a tenth-round stoppage of Adam Hepple in his last outing. The opportunity against Morrell represents a clear step up, but also the kind of opening that rarely comes twice.
“Once we heard that David Morrell, his fight with Smith was off, my dad went crazy on social media and started saying, ‘Give him to my son, give him to my son,’” Chelli said to Boxingscene. “A week after that, we got a phone call from management saying we can make this fight happen. We asked for it, so let’s do it.”
Morrell enters as the more proven name, having recently shared the ring with opponents like Radivoje Kalajdzic, David Benavidez, and Imam Khataev. His activity at a higher level has made him the clear favorite, even if the matchup is being viewed by some as a way to keep him active while bigger fights remain unresolved.
Chelli isn’t treating it that way. He acknowledged Morrell’s pedigree, former champion, strong amateur background, and a southpaw with movement, but believes the style matchup gives him a real chance to compete.
“He’s got good footwork, he’s a southpaw, and he’s had an impressive career,” Chelli said. “But styles make fights, and I believe my style is right for him.”
The fight gives Morrell a return date after a long wait. For Chelli, it’s a shot he pushed for himself. That alone tells you how he sees it.