On May 9, Chelli produced the early frontrunner for boxing’s ‘Upset of the Year’ when he knocked out Cuba’s David Morrell.

The heavily favored Morrell had held the WBA’s secondary titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight but Chelli was totally unfazed and grew in confidence throughout the biggest test of his career. He hurt Morrell in the ninth round and finished the job in brutal fashion in the 10th and final round.

During an appearance on Sky Sports’ Toe2Toe podcast, Chelli (17-3-1, 9 KOs) said that he had seen Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) describe his win as “a lucky shot” during a recent interview.

A fight between the two was rarely discussed before Chelli upset Morrell, but now an all-British clash would have implications on the world stage.

“I don’t see him as competition but he is the big name out there,” Chelli said. “What are we boxing for? We’re boxing for money. We’re boxing for fame. We’re boxing for the belts and he’s No. 1 for the WBC at the moment [Whittaker is actually ranked second] so of course if that name gets brought towards me I’ll be happy to take it.”

Whittaker and Chelli may be recent arrivals in the higher reaches of the light heavyweight rankings, but the rivalry isn't new.

They have known each other for more than a decade and the seeds of a rivalry took root when they were teenage amateurs.

Whittaker has enjoyed a rapid rise into contention whilst nine-year professional. Chelli has taken a more circuitous path to the top, but both have arrived at exactly the same time.

“We were good friends at one point. On Team GB we shared the same rooms and we were close and I think we fought in the finals for the English title and something messed up there [in their relationship].We fought again in the Three Nation finals and I beat him and that friendship went away,” Chelli said.

“Then we had a sparring session at Team GB for the Commonwealth Games. This was Under-18’s. I dropped him in sparring — you can ask witnesses there — but he still got picked for the Commonwealth Games.

“He’s a big name, he’s flashy and he’s entertaining to watch. That’s what it’s about. It’s an entertainment business.”