Boxing: Defiant Bentt out of hospital

MICHAEL BENTT was defiant when told that a doctor was advising him never to box again. 'It was a typical warrior's reaction: 'Why not?', 'How does he know?' and 'How about some more tests?' ' his manager, Stan Hoffman, said yesterday.

Hoffman revealed Bentt's reaction as the 28-year-old American fighter was released from the Royal London Hospital where he had been detained since collapsing after losing his World Boxing Organisation heavyweight title to Britain's Herbie Hide on Saturday. A neurosurgeon, who diagnosed concussion and generalised brain swelling, said Bentt should retire.

Henry Akinwande, the British European heavyweight champion, is to fight the 40- year-old James 'Bonecrusher' Smith at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on April 5.