Former Premier League Stars to Box at Charity Gala in Mayfair
David Bentley and Jody Morris to headline October black‑tie event aiming to raise £500,000 for four charities
A star‑studded charity boxing gala organised by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack will bring ex‑Premier League players into the ring on Oct. 18 in Mayfair, organisers announced. The black‑tie event at the Grosvenor Hotel aims to raise £500,000 for Playskill, Sport In Mind, the Willow Foundation and Helping Hands.
The headline bout will pit former Arsenal winger David Bentley against ex‑Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris in a grudge match billed as a revival of old Premier League rivalries. Other scheduled fights include Curtis Davies versus goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, striker Leroy Lita against midfielder David Noble, Lee Trundle facing Anthony Gardner, and Greg Halford taking on Marvin Elliott.
Organisers said participating footballers have spent months in training camps under the guidance of established boxing figures. Bentley has been preparing with Kevin Mitchell while Morris has worked with former world champion Darren Barker. Davies trained with Tony Birmingham, Kenny with Dave Coldwell, and Lita with Leon McKenzie. Undercard fighters are also being coached by recognised names, with Noble training under current champion Nina Hughes and Elliott under James DeGale.
The event has attracted endorsement from former players including Peter Crouch, Joe Cole and Ray Parlour, and support from boxing figures such as Barker, DeGale and Enzo Maccarinelli, as well as current champions Hughes and Chantelle Cameron. Stack is staging the fundraiser through his company Pro Project Promotions and described the night as a meeting of football's rivalries and boxing's intensity.
"These legends are stepping out of their comfort zones to throw punches for a purpose," Stack said. "With a star‑studded crowd, world‑class entertainment and a mission to change lives, this night will be etched in history."
Organisers say proceeds will be split among the four named charities, each of which supports health, wellbeing and young people. Playskill provides sports and play facilities for disabled children, Sport In Mind promotes mental wellbeing through sport, the Willow Foundation supports seriously ill young adults, and Helping Hands assists vulnerable communities.
The gala follows a growing trend of exhibition and charity boxing events featuring retired athletes and celebrities. Unlike professional bouts, the promoted event pairs ex‑players who have undergone supervised training and coaching ahead of sanctioned exhibition fights. Organisers did not release ticketing details or a full fight card beyond the announced matchups.
Promoters say the evening will combine the boxing programme with black‑tie hospitality and entertainment as part of the fundraising drive. The event is scheduled for Oct. 18 at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair, with organisers targeting an attendance that will help reach the £500,000 fundraising goal.