Zak Chelli Stuns David Morrell With Late TKO In Manchester Upset

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Referee Darren Sarginson halted the fight after Chelli trapped Morrell against the ropes and unloaded a series of heavy punches that left the Cuban badly hurt in the closing moments of the contest.

Morrell appeared on course for a decision victory for much of the fight. The Cuban southpaw controlled long stretches with his jab, movement, and sharper combinations while using his reach advantage to keep Chelli from sustaining offense consistently during the early and middle rounds.

Chelli Stayed Competitive

Chelli continued pressing forward despite appearing behind on the cards entering the final stages. The British fighter mixed in body shots, occasional counters, and steady pressure while trying to force Morrell into exchanges.

Although Morrell looked sharper overall through much of the fight, Chelli never stopped pushing the pace and gradually found opportunities late.

Dramatic Finish

The fight changed suddenly during the final round when Chelli connected with several heavy punches that visibly hurt Morrell. Chelli immediately attacked, backing Morrell toward the ropes before trapping him in the corner under sustained pressure.

Morrell appeared unable to fully recover as Chelli continued landing clean shots, forcing referee Sarginson to step in and stop the fight at 2:24 of Round 10.

The stoppage instantly became the biggest win of Chelli’s professional career and a major setback for Morrell, who entered the fight as a heavy favorite and one of the more highly regarded contenders at light heavyweight.

Huge Momentum Shift

Morrell had been attempting to rebuild momentum after his loss to David Benavidez last year. Instead, the defeat leaves new questions surrounding his position in the division after suffering another damaging loss in a fight many expected him to win comfortably.

For Chelli, the upset victory could dramatically change his standing in the light heavyweight division following the career-defining performance in front of a home crowd.