Former Chelsea Star Jody Morris Opens Up on Charity Boxing Clash with David Bentley
Jody Morris, the former Chelsea midfielder and coach, has shared fresh insights into his high-profile charity boxing match against David Bentley, the ex-Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur player. The bout, which took place in October 2025, saw Morris emerge victorious over Bentley in a contest that pitted west London against north London rivalries.
Morris Describes Fight as Easier Than Training Sessions
In a recent episode of the In The Mixer podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Morris revealed that the actual fight was less demanding than some of his sparring sessions. "I think it was all right. I mean, the actual fight was easier than some of the sparring I had," Morris explained. He recounted receiving "a couple of hidings in sparring" from opponents, including former middleweight title holder Darren Barker, who later trained him for the event.
When asked if he would consider stepping into the ring again, Morris was unequivocal: "No. It was one and done. 100 per cent." This statement underscores his view of the experience as a singular charitable endeavor rather than a new sporting pursuit.
Charity Event Raises Significant Funds
The boxing gala, organized by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack and his Pro Project Promotions, was held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. It featured 10 retired footballers, including notable names such as Curtis Davies, Paddy Kenny, and Leroy Lita. The event successfully raised £127,500 for four charities:
- Helping Hands in support of the Royal Free Charity (£25,500)
- Playskill (£25,500)
- The Willow Foundation (£51,000)
- Sport in Mind (£25,500)
Bentley, who lost to Morris on points after three rounds, displayed good sportsmanship post-fight. He remarked, "I feel great getting in the ring, fighting Jody, what a great guy he is. But I think I'm better at promoting boxing than I am actually boxing." He emphasized the charitable purpose, adding, "It was about raising money for charity. That's what it's all about."
Future Charity Boxing Events Planned
A follow-up event, titled A Night to Remember II, is scheduled for 17 April 2026 at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. The card will feature several high-profile matchups:
- Lee Trundle vs. Chris Iwelumo
- Bradley Orr vs. Carl Ikeme
- Adam Hammill vs. Steven Jennings
- Ross McCormack vs. Matthew Kilgallon
- Ryan Cresswell vs. Carl Dickinson
Football legends Jamie Carragher and Natasha Jonas will serve as ambassadors and trainers for the event, highlighting the ongoing commitment to blending sports entertainment with philanthropy.
Morris's reflections come as Arsenal and Chelsea prepare for their upcoming Premier League showdown, adding a nostalgic twist to the fierce rivalry between the clubs. The charity boxing initiative continues to gain momentum, leveraging the popularity of retired footballers to support worthy causes across the UK.
