FORMER British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Zak Chelli is out to make a name for himself in the light-heavyweight division, starting with tonight’s English title fight.
The 27-year-old returns to the ring for the first time in 10 months as he prepares to take on Adam Hepple at York Hall.
Chelli, who boasts a 15-3-1 record, is the heavy favourite for the main event as he looks to return to winning ways and position himself for big fights at 175 lbs.
“I’m feeling great, I can’t wait,” he said. “Obviously, my last fight was in August last year, and I was fighting for the British and Commonwealth titles, but unfortunately, that one didn’t go too well.
“But now I’m back with my original camp, I’m stronger than ever. I’m back and focused on what I’m meant to do. I’m really happy that I’m back in the main event and for a title. I’ve got to thank Alfie Warren and Warren Boxing Management for making it happen.”
Chelli endured just his third career defeat last summer when he was beaten on points by Callum Simpson at Oakwell Stadium.
“I wasn’t trained by my dad at the time,” Chelli explained. “My dad was out in Tunisia looking after his mom. The camp didn’t go well, I wasn’t myself, and I’d love to have a rematch again, hopefully in the future at whatever weight class. I can do super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, so whatever it is.
“But I’m focusing now on the future. I’ve got the English title coming up, so that’s great.”
Chelli, who has already been an English champion at super-middleweight, takes on a former Northern Area champion in Hepple.
The 32-year-old revealed on his social media that he is looking to ‘rip up the script’ as the 5-2 Seaham boxer prepares for the biggest challenge of his professional career.
Chelli admitted he is not underestimating his rival, but he is intent on making a serious run as a light-heavyweight.
He said: “I’m comfortable at super middleweight, and I’m pretty strong. I’ve always sparred with light heavyweights, even cruiserweights and heavyweights, so I thought if there’s an opportunity there for a fight, let me take it.
“Warren Boxing Management managed to get me this fight, there’s an opportunity here to dominate the light-heavyweight division. Lewis Edmondson is the British champion at the moment, and I believe I can demolish him easily.
“There are fighters up there who I have sparred with, like Callum Smith. I remember sparring him a few times, and I did pretty well. I would say, if there is an opportunity up there, I’d take it.”
