JODY MORRIS already has the pressure of the Chelsea faithful on him heading into his charity boxing bout against David Bentley.
The former Blues midfielder takes on ex-Tottenham Bentley star next Saturday at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair.
Jody Morris spent seven seasons at Chelsea
He takes on ex-Spurs star David Bentley in a charity boxing match
He is one of ten retired Premier League players taking to the ring – but the battle for London bragging rights makes it the juiciest fight of all.
Morris, 46, told SunSport: “My mates have been messaging me going, ‘You can’t lose to Spurs!
“But yeah, well I’ll be hoping for a Chelsea win that night, put it that way.”
Morris came through Chelsea’s academy before making his debut in 1996 – spending seven years at the club.
He came up alongside and – who will be backing him against Bentley.
Morris said: “I spoke to JT about it quite a bit, not so much Lamps, he’s pretty busy doing a great job at Coventry at the minute.
“Listen, I’ve had many well wishers but when it was first announced, it kind of looked like it was a bit of a way away and all of a sudden it’s only two weeks around the corner now.
“So I’m sure I’ll get plenty of messages in the build-up but like I say, I’m pretty focused on just trying to get fitter and better at boxing before the night comes around so you don’t embarrass yourself.
“Nobody wants to lose do they? And usually if you’re losing in boxing fights, it means that you’re taking a bit of punishment, so I’m definitely hoping not to do that!”
Elsewhere on the card is Curtis Davies vs Paddy Kenny, Leroy Lita vs David Noble, Lee Trundle vs Anthony Gardner and Greg Halford vs Marvin Elliott.
on behalf of four charities – looking to raise £500,000.
All funds will be donated to Playskill, Sport In Mind, Willow Foundation and Helping Hands.
Morris hopes to settle his London derby with Bentley in the ring – before sharing a pint afterwards.
He said: “I was lucky enough to play with Stacky and Marvin Elliott that are there.
“I know Leroy Lita a little bit, even Leon McKenzie that’s one of the coaches, Darren Barker being a coach.
“There is a real good sort of family and friends feel about it but I think once you enter the ring that’ll maybe go out of the way for a little bit.
“But like I said, I’m sure we’ll all have a good drink after and hopefully celebrate nobody being too hurt.”
- Secure your tickets at www.proprojectpromotions.com and join us for a night of drama, glamour, and giving back
Jody Morris facing off with David Bentley with Graham Stack in between 
