After winning his first ever professional title last weekend, Fulham prizefighter Zak Chelli is already looking for the next belt he can get his hands on.
The super-middleweight contender was crowned the new Southern Area champion after outpointing Jimmy Smith over 10 gruelling rounds at Wembley Arena.
It was his toughest fight to date. But Chelli is not deterred as he now looks to add another domestic title to his collection.
“I’m ready to go and challenge for either the English or Commonwealth belt,” said the 21-year-old. “I hope the Southern Area title is the first of many title wins in my career.”
Despite wanting a knockout victory over Smith, Chelli still demonstrated the devastating power of his hands with an eighth-round knockdown which cemented the points win and extended Chelli’s unbeaten record to seven wins.
“Jimmy Smith was a tough opponent who kept coming forward even after the knockdown,” added Chelli. “But I got the win and showed why I am one of the rising stars in the super-middleweight division.”
Stay up-to-date with our local champion’s journey by following Zak on Twitter.
Local boxing gyms
If you’re interested in trying your hand at boxing, here are a few local options:
- Hammersmith Boxing Academy at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College in Gliddon Road run boxing sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays at 11am to 1pm
- Hurlingham Boxing Club in Peterborough Road have classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8pm
- State of the Mind Fitness in Galena Road has a host of boxing classes – details are on their website.
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