Trainer Buddy McGirt believes David Morrell found himself in one of boxing’s most dangerous situations during his upset loss to Zak Chelli in Manchester on Saturday night.
Morrell entered the fight as a heavy betting favorite before Chelli stopped him in the 10th round in one of the biggest upsets of 2026. The bout itself came together late after Morrell’s originally planned fight with Callum Smith collapsed due to 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 who has everything to gain and nothing to lose, they’re the worst guys to fight,” McGirt said. 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 a walk in the park.”
McGirt’s comments are consistent with the way the fight unfolded. Chelli entered with little pressure and gradually gained confidence as Morrell backed long stretches to the ropes and allowed exchanges instead of controlling the fight from a distance.
“No need to fight him now”
McGirt also suggested that 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 Morrell could face.
“My main concern is Callum healing from that rib injury.”
The interest that there would have been in WBO interim light heavyweight champion Callum defending against Morrell in the first place is likely gone after this defeat for the Cuban fighter.
The WBO will surely lower Morrell (28) in their rankings to 175 after this defeat. It is unclear what direction he will 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 decision
- Radivoje Kalajdzic: 12-round unanimous decision win
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Last updated on 2026/05/10 at 13:35
