Zak Chelli causes a big surprise in Manchester, stopping former world champion David Morrell in the tenth round after a dramatic late comeback.
English light heavyweight Zak Chelli celebrated the biggest win of his career at the weekend in Manchester, knocking out former world champion David Morrell in the tenth and final round. Morrell (12-2, 9 knockouts) and Chelli (17-3-1, 9 knockouts) were on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view, thanks to Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. The Cuban southpaw was scheduled to fight Callum Smith in Liverpool last month, but the bout was canceled due to injury. Yesterday’s clash was only scheduled just over two weeks beforehand.
Morrell controlled the fight in a duel that initially didn’t look like making big headlines and largely outboxed the Englishman until the end of the ninth round. However, Chelli turned the fight in his favor and landed an explosive right jab to the chin of Morrell. The Cuban was battered but managed to save himself with avoidance moves and upper body work until the ring bell.
Chelli then looked for an early victory against a Morrell who had not yet fully recovered. The surprise was official after just 36 seconds, with Chelli submitting Morrell with a combination of punches. A right jab hit Morrell clean on the jawline and practically knocked him out standing, forcing referee Sarginson to stop the fight.