Zak Chelli (left) with promoter Frank Warren
Fulham prizefighter Zak Chelli is looking for a knockout performance on Saturday night as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.
The 19-year-old contender will face Anthony ‘The Matador’ Fox in a world title bout at the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in just his third professional fight.
Hands-of-stone Chelli aims to win by KO in the six-round contest and make a huge statement to the super-middleweight division. His opponent Fox has not been stopped in his last 12 fights.
“I want to show that I am the best super-middleweight with a knockout victory this weekend,” said the former Dale Youth boxer. “My opponent is not an easy man to put down but I will show the boxing world that it is possible.”
“Each time I get into the ring the event is bigger every time. I am fighting in front of thousands of spectators and all the people watching at home. This is a huge moment in my career.”
The 12-stone pugilist will once again have his father, Zak Snr, in his corner as he plots his way up the pro rankings after dominating the amateur scene.
Brains and brawn
Chelli has been training under his father’s tutelage since the age of five. But his father is also encouraging him to get a degree – he starts his Business Management degree at Surrey University next week.
“He tells me how to eat, how to train and even how to sleep. I hope to get away from his watchful eye down at university,” joked Chelli. “He has been with me from the start and is my rock. We want to go on and dominate the super-middleweight division together.”
The father and son team have already made their mark in the sport with some bruising sparring sessions against the big punchers in the 12st division.
Legendary coach Ronnie Davies said that Chelli was untouchable after four rounds of sparring with his IBO world champion Chris Eubank Jnr. Even when the Fulham boxer touched gloves with seasoned world champions George Groves and James DeGale – who both began their boxing careers in the borough – he left a lasting impression.
What will Zak do on Saturday night? Tweet @LBHF and tell us what round you think Zak will win in.
