David Morrell Jr. did not get the fight he originally wanted, but he never lost momentum either. Following the cancellation of the highly anticipated showdown with Callum Smith due to injury, the Cuban opted to stay active and accepted an uncomfortable challenge this weekend in Manchester, England, where he will face British fighter Zak Chelli as part of the card headlined by Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, streaming on DAZN.
In an exclusive interview, Morrell opened up about his mentality heading into the fight, the pressure of competing in hostile territory, his continued evolution under renowned Cuban trainer Ismael Salas in Las Vegas, and what it means to represent Cuba at this stage of his career.
Morrell understands exactly what awaits him in Manchester. Fighting on enemy soil, in front of a crowd fully behind the local fighter, with the possibility of close rounds being influenced by atmosphere and momentum, demands more than simply winning. It requires control, authority and conviction.
When asked about his emotions heading into such a distant fight geographically and culturally, Morrell sounded energized by the moment rather than intimidated by it.
“Super excited. It’s a country I always wanted to visit and now I’m going there for work. The vibe is at its highest, the team is positive and everything back home is good. The most important thing is the mind, and we’re going one thousand percent.”
The atmosphere awaiting him in England only seems to motivate him more.
You’re going to fight in a very hostile environment, with a packed arena against you. I told Morrell during the interview.
“That actually excites me even more,” Morrell responded. “People have told me what that pressure feels like, but I like challenges. I’ve experienced something similar before and now we’re even more prepared, even though we know everything will be against us.”
The Cuban believes the circumstances leave no room for complacency or tactical uncertainty.
Do you feel like you have to win clearly to avoid any doubt?”
“One hundred percent. This isn’t about winning nicely we have to win without controversy. We can’t leave any room for doubt. It’s a fire mentality: don’t give away a single round.”
Originally, Morrell had spent weeks preparing for former world champion Callum Smith before the British fighter withdrew because of injury. Rather than wasting a full training camp, Morrell and his team quickly pivoted toward Zak Chelli, a dangerous local opponent with everything to gain.
“It wasn’t the fight I wanted, but it was the one that came up, and I wasn’t going to say no,” Morrell admitted.
Now based in Las Vegas, Morrell trains under respected Cuban coach Ismael Salas, who has guided several elite Cuban world champions including Erislandy Lara, Robeisy Ramírez and Yordenis Ugás.
Are you expecting a tactical fight or a war?”
“It’s going to be fire. We can’t improvise or give away advantages. We have to impose our rhythm from the beginning and not let him take control.”
Morrell also praised the work being done inside Salas’ camp and the simplicity with which his trainer approaches adjustments and strategy.
How has the work with your trainer been?”
“Very easy. He studies the opponent and gives me clear keys. We’ve incorporated things from great champions and we adjust during the fight depending on what’s needed.”
At 28 years old, Morrell believes he is entering the best version of himself physically and mentally.
Will we see the best version of Morrell?”
“The best version so far. I’ve done more sparring than ever before and I feel better in every session. But this still isn’t my ceiling. I’m still evolving.”
The Cuban contender also reflected on the different stages of his boxing journey throughout the United States, from Minnesota to Houston and now Las Vegas.
You’ve gone through many places and trainers. How have they shaped you?”
“I’ve learned from all of them. From Minnesota to Houston and now Las Vegas. Every stage has helped me grow as a person and as a fighter.”
Morrell believes Cuban boxing itself is once again moving in the right direction after difficult years in the professional landscape.
How do you see the current moment of Cuban boxing?”
“We’re at a point where Cuban boxing is growing again. After some setbacks, we’re rising once more. There’s a strong new generation that’s hungry.”
For Morrell, carrying the Cuban flag remains deeply personal.
What does representing Cuba around the world mean to you?”
“It means everything. I want to send a strong message, not only as a boxer, but as a Cuban. I want the world to see that we’re ready and that we continue fighting for our people.”
