david Bentley’s Audacious Journey: From Arsenal Rebel to Charity Boxing Ring
Former england international David Bentley, known for a career defined by both flair and friction, is set to step into the boxing ring this Saturday in London for a charity match against ex-Chelsea midfielder Jody morris. The sold-out event, while raising funds for worthy causes, underscores a pattern of Bentley embracing unconventional challenges – a trait that has marked his life both on and off the pitch.
Bentley’s willingness to defy expectations first surfaced early in his career. In 2008, while on international duty with England, he famously engaged in a playful, yet ultimately career-altering, prank with teammate Jimmy Bullard. The pair playfully shouted “Postman Pat” at then-England manager Fabio Capello, referencing the children’s television character’s resemblance to the Italian coach. Capello, unsurprisingly, did not share their amusement, and bentley never received another England call-up.
This audacious spirit was evident even before his time with the national team. Emerging through the ranks at Arsenal, Bentley boldly refused to cede his seat in the canteen to club captain Patrick Vieira. “I wasn’t going to let anyone mug me off,” Bentley recounted, recalling the tense standoff. “If I was on the street, no chance. I’m not moving. There’s a hierarchy but I don’t know, I’m not having that.” The resulting three months saw Bentley subjected to rig
“very good,technically gifted footballer. Yeah, I’m hoping his technical ability in the ring is not the same.”
The physical contrast between the two is stark. Morris, described as squat and muscular at 5ft 5in, presents a different challenge than Bentley, who is taller, leaner, and five years younger at 41. Bentley’s trainer, Kevin Mitchell, even joked that they’ve been “sparring with Danny DeVito.”
Beneath the pre-fight banter lies a serious consideration. The inherent risks of boxing, even at an amateur level, cannot be ignored. While the fighters are voluntarily participating and raising money for charity – with a goal of £500,000 for Playskill, Sport In Mind, the Willow Foundation, and Helping Hands – questions remain about the appropriateness of the activity. A boxing match carries a higher degree of risk than, for example, a marathon.
England Boxing confirmed to reporters that they were not involved in the organization of the event and emphasized that unregulated boxing lacks the safety standards of sanctioned competitions. Though, organizers have assured the public that the fights will be properly officiated, with medical personnel present, and that the boxers will have experienced coaches in their corners, including former IBF middleweight world champion Darren barker for Morris.
The event is being organized by Graham Stack, a former Arsenal and Barnet goalkeeper, and promises a high-profile atmosphere, with ringside entertainment from James DeGale, George Groves, Peter crouch, Paul Merson, and Ray Parlour.
Morris, who grew up in West Kensington, comes from a boxing-oriented family, with an amateur fighter uncle and a mother who favored boxing over football. he recently sustained a black eye during sparring, stating, “I got a decent hiding in sparring…This kid was punching miles harder than what Bentley is going to do.”
For Bentley, the motivation appears to be multifaceted.”I’ve got four children that I’m raising, they probably think I can’t fight,” he explained. “so it’s to showcase to them: ‘Look, you can do anything if you put yoru mind to it and you can step into the most uncomfortable situation.’ You have to have courage to even step into that ring, get your head whacked and take it.” He also recounted a near-brawl with Thierry henry during his time at Arsenal, describing a fiercely competitive training environment under Arsène Wenger. “Sure, Thierry is one of the best players to ever live, but he was mugging me off that day,” bentley said, recalling a heated exchange that nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
Bentley will be hoping for a different outcome this Saturday night.
Related reading
- Why Championship Boxing Fights Are 12 Rounds, Not 15 (daybreakwire.com)
