I have sparred Chris Eubank Jr and James DeGale but only undefeated Olympic medallist could match power of George Groves

07/31/2024 04:12 PM

Zac Chelli has sparred some of Britain’s elite fighters, but George Groves’ skills has only been matched by one fighter.

Chelli is the current British super-middleweight champion and he has experienced it all in the ring as a seasoned operator.

During his rise in the professional ranks, the Fulham native has fought some big names including ex-world champion George Groves and British star Chris Eubank Jr.

But he has insisted that Joshua Buatsi, a bronze medalist with Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, gave him his toughest work at the gym.

“Hit me the hardest obviously myself when I’ve accidentally hit myself in the face,” he joked to talkSPORT.com.

“But no seriously I’d say Joshua Buatsi has given me my toughest spars to be honest, he is a really good fighter.

“Along with George Groves yeah I’ve sparred him quite a few times, but them two were the toughest.

“I am now sparring George Groves’ boxer so I still see him every Wednesday which is quite cool.”

Groves is one of the sport’s most notorious names from the UK, having helped revive boxing on British shores.

His two mega-fights with Carl Froch including their 2014 rematch at Wembley Stadium were the highlights, having reigned as a world champion previously.

Chelli sparred Groves in 2017 and it was a great experience for the current British champion.

Eubank Jr has equally become a huge name having fought in some huge fights under the famous family name.

The pair sparred several years ago, and the Briton is continuing to fight on the biggest of nights including against Liam Smith twice.

Buatsi is a stablemate of Chelli at current label BOXXER, and has built an undefeated record of his own since his Olympic glory.

The pair sparred three years ago, and ‘JB’ has moved on to big things as he prepares to face Willy Hutchinson on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

Chelli will be in big action of his own as he makes a first defence of his British title against Callum Simpson this weekend.

It will be a tough outing, given he will fight on away soil at Barnsley’s Oakwell, the home of Simpson’s beloved football club in front of 7,000 fans.

And he is confident that he will be able to get the job done and tame the crowd, who will be baying for blood.

He continued: “I think I thrive on people who don’t believe in me, and those who are against me.

“I want to prove them wrong, and I think it’s easier than when people believe me as it adds more pressure.

“Especially having 7,000 fans against me, and I think I will relish that and it will be so sweet when I get the win.”