Zak Chelli
Zak Chelli isn't just a powerful presence in the boxing ring; he's a champion with a surprising story outside of it. This English professional boxer has carved out an impressive career, claiming multiple national and international titles across super-middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions. But what truly makes his journey stand out is how he balanced his athletic ambition with an unexpected career during a global pandemic. Zak Chelli achieved rapid success in professional boxing, securing his first major title just eight fights into his career. He has demonstrated remarkable versatility, capturing prestigious British, Commonwealth, English, and WBA Continental super-middleweight titles before ascending to become the English Light-Heavyweight champion. Beyond his boxing prowess, Chelli holds a university degree in business and even worked as a substitute teacher during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
AI Summary
Zak Chelli isn't just a powerful presence in the boxing ring; he's a champion with a surprising story outside of it. This English professional boxer has carved out an impressive career, claiming multiple national and international titles across super-middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions. But what truly makes his journey stand out is how he balanced his athletic ambition with an unexpected career during a global pandemic.
- Zak Chelli achieved rapid success in professional boxing, securing his first major title just eight fights into his career.
- He has demonstrated remarkable versatility, capturing prestigious British, Commonwealth, English, and WBA Continental super-middleweight titles before ascending to become the English Light-Heavyweight champion.
- Beyond his boxing prowess, Chelli holds a university degree in business and even worked as a substitute teacher during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
The Rise of Zak Chelli
Born on November 26, 1997, Zak Chelli quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the professional boxing world. His journey began in earnest on February 24, 2017, making his pro debut at the historic York Hall in London.
In that inaugural bout, Chelli wasted no time making an impression, stopping his opponent, Jacob Lucas, in the third round of their scheduled four-round contest. It was a clear sign of the power and determination that would come to define his career.
Climbing the Ranks
It didn't take long for Chelli to taste championship glory. In just his eighth professional fight, he clinched his first title—the vacant Southern Area super-middleweight crown. He did so with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Jimmy Smith at the iconic Wembley Arena in April 2019.
A pivotal moment arrived in November 2020, as Chelli entered the Boxxer VII tournament. In a single night of intense competition, he defeated Vladimir Georgiev by unanimous decision and then stopped Mike McGoldrick in the second round, ultimately winning the tournament and securing a coveted two-year promotional contract.
Champion of England and Beyond
Chelli's relentless pursuit of titles continued. On June 11, 2022, he became the English super-middleweight champion, dethroning Germaine Brown with another impressive unanimous decision victory back at Wembley Arena. His star was truly on the ascent.
Just a few months later, at the very same venue in February 2023, Chelli added another significant belt to his collection—the WBA Continental super-middleweight title. He secured this international honor with a dominant unanimous decision win against Anthony Sims Jr., further cementing his status on the global stage.
Setbacks and Major Triumphs
The path to greatness is rarely without its challenges, and Chelli experienced a temporary setback when he lost his English title to Mark Jeffers at Manchester Arena in July 2023, going down to a unanimous decision defeat.
But true champions don't stay down for long. On January 20, 2024, Chelli faced reigning British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Jack Cullen at Liverpool Arena. In a display of grit and skill, Chelli won the bout by unanimous decision, capturing two of the most prestigious titles in British boxing.
His reign as British and Commonwealth champion was short-lived, however. In his first defense on August 3, 2024, at Oakwell Stadium, he lost both titles via unanimous decision to Callum Simpson. Boxing can be a cruel mistress, but Chelli's journey was far from over.
A New Division, A New Crown
Demonstrating his adaptability and hunger for success, Chelli made the strategic decision to move up a weight class. As of June 27, 2025, he is the current English Light-Heavyweight champion, having secured this title with a decisive knockout victory against Adam Hepple.
Beyond the Ropes: A Champion's Other Life
What many might not know is that Zak Chelli is more than just a formidable boxer—he's also a man of intellect and civic duty. He holds a degree in Business, Management, and Marketing from the esteemed University of Surrey.
And during the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, Chelli put his academic background and teaching qualification to an incredibly unexpected use... He worked as a substitute teacher. It's a testament to his character, showing that even outside the ring, Zak Chelli is ready to step up and make an impact.
Article
Zak Chelli
Zak Chelli (born 26 November 1997) is an English professional boxer who is the current English Light-Heavyweight champion and former British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion. He has also held the English and WBA Continental super-middleweight titles.
Career
Zak Chelli
Chelli made his pro-debut at York Hall in London on 24 February 2017, stopping Jacob Lucas in the third of their scheduled four-round encounter.
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.
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.
He became English super-middleweight champion by dethroning Germaine Brown with a unanimous decision success at Wembley Arena on 11 June 2022.
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.
He lost his English title to Mark Jeffers at Manchester Arena on 1 July 2023, going down to a unanimous decision defeat.
Chelli challenged British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Jack Cullen at Liverpool Arena on 20 January 2024, winning the bout by unanimous decision.
In his first defense at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley on 3 August 2024, he lost his titles via unanimous decision to Callum Simpson.
As of 27th June 2025 he is the current English light heavyweight champion, winner with a KO victory against Adam Hepple.
Personal life
Zak Chelli
Chelli has a degree in business, management and marketing from the University of Surrey and, after gaining a teaching qualification, worked as a substitute teacher during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.