Jody Morris produced a disciplined and determined display in Mayfair on Saturday night to claim victory over David Bentley in the headline bout of the high-profile charity boxing gala at the Grosvenor Hotel.
The former Chelsea midfielder, renowned during his playing days for his work ethic and leadership, brought that same mentality into the ring as he outworked Bentley in a fiercely contested main event.
Morris, who entered the fight after months of preparation under the guidance of former world champion Darren Barker, walked Bentley down and picked his shots from the opening round.
The 45-year-old, who became Chelsea’s youngest ever Premier League debutant before going on to represent Leeds United, Millwall, St Johnstone and Bristol City, showed sharp instincts and impressive conditioning as he pressed forward behind the jab.
Bentley, backed by trainer Kevin Mitchell, looked to start fast after showing off his dancing skills to the crowd during his ring walk. However, it was Morris’s pressure that began to tell.
The ex-St Johnstone Scottish Cup winner, who made close to four hundred senior appearances during his playing career, threw to the body and tried to cut off the ring and force Bentley into uncomfortable exchanges.
Jody Morris produced a disciplined and determined display in Mayfair on Saturday night to claim victory over David Bentley in the headline bout of the high-profile charity boxing gala
Morris, who entered the fight after months of preparation under the guidance of former world champion Darren Barker, walked Bentley down and picked his shots from the opening round
The pair were seen embracing after the headline fight on the charity card in London
The ballroom, transformed into a glitzy fight arena for the night, was packed with star guests from both football and boxing. It’s safe to say they were entertained despite it not being the most technically sound fight.
Premier League favourites including Peter Crouch, Paul Merson and Ray Parlour watched on from ringside, joined by heavyweight figures of the boxing world such as David Haye, Johnny Nelson, Roy Jones Jr and world champion Nina Hughes.
The charity spectacle – founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack – aims to raise more than £500,000 for Playskill, Sport In Mind, the Willow Foundation and Helping Hands.
It has been hailed as one of the most ambitious crossover events of its kind, bolstered by the involvement of former world champions James DeGale and Enzo Maccarinelli, who helped coach the wider card of footballers-turned-fighters.
The Bentley-Morris clash headlined a packed evening that also featured Curtis Davies – who secured a first round knockout against Paddy Kenny.
Leroy Lita also emerged victorious over David Noble after drawing blood by busting his nose.
Lee Trundle fell short against Anthony Gardner and Greg Halford (pictured on the left) was out boxed by Marvin Elliott (pictured on the right)
Fans were, however, impressed by Trundle’s shape on fight night (pictured above)
While Lee Trundle fell short against Anthony Gardner and Greg Halford was out boxed by Marvin Elliott.
As the final bell rang, Morris lifted his gloves to cheers from the crowd, his victory reflecting the same qualities that defined his football career – grit, focus and total commitment to the task.
