Trainer Buddy McGirt believes David Morrell found himself in one of boxing’s most dangerous situations during his upset loss to Zak Chelli on Saturday night in Manchester.
Morrell entered the fight as a huge betting favorite before Chelli stopped him in the 10th round in one of the biggest surprises of 2026. The matchup itself came together late after Morrell’s originally planned fight with Callum Smith collapsed because of Smith’s injury.
Much of the discussion surrounding Morrell before the fight centered on future opponents rather than Chelli. Morrell spent part of the week discussing a possible fight with Ben Whittaker and his desire for a rematch with David Benavidez.
“The Worst Guys To Fight”
“When you get a guy that has everything to gain and nothing to lose, they’re the worst guys to fight,” McGirt said to Fight Hub TV while reacting to Morrell’s defeat.
“This is boxing, man. Anything happens.
“He took on a tough guy. He didn’t take on a walk in the park.”
McGirt’s comments matched the way the fight unfolded. Chelli entered with little pressure and gradually gained confidence as Morrell spent long stretches backing to the ropes and allowing exchanges instead of controlling the fight from a distance.
“No Need To Fight Him Now”
McGirt also suggested Morrell’s defeat may have changed the immediate outlook for a future fight against Smith.
“There’s no need to fight him now,” McGirt said when asked about the Callum Smith potentially facing Morrell.
“My main concern is Callum healing from that rib injury.”
The interest that would have been there in WBO interim light heavyweight champion Callum defending against #1-ranked Morrell is likely gone after this defeat for the Cuban fighter.
The WBO will surely lower Morrell, 28, in their ranking at 175 after this defeat. It’s unclear what direction he’ll take with his career, as this was his fourth lackluster fight since moving up to light heavyweight in 2024.
Morrell’s fights at 175
- Zak Chelli: 10th round TKO loss
- Imam Khataev: 10-round split decision
- David Benavidez: 12-round unanimous defeat
- Radivoje Kalajdzic: 12-round unanimous decision win
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Last Updated on 2026/05/10 at 1:35 PM
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