Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was disqualified during his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha after walking out of the ring before the end of the opening round on Friday.
The highly anticipated bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and was organised as a rematch of their controversial first encounter, which Okocha had maintained was wrongly awarded in Portable’s favour.
Portable appeared to be in control during the early exchanges before the contest descended into a wrestling-like scuffle, forcing the referee to repeatedly intervene in an attempt to separate both fighters. The opening round eventually ended amid the chaos, with security personnel and bodyguards stepping in to restore order.
Before officials could resume the fight, Portable left the ring, drawing loud boos from spectators, including fans seated in the VIP section. Although he was later persuaded to return, officials ruled that he had abandoned the contest and disqualified him, handing victory to Charles Okocha.
Before the fight, Portable had spoken backstage while holding his son, saying, “I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family.”
The defeat marks a dramatic turnaround for the singer, who won the first bout and had confidently declared during the final weigh-in that he was still the better fighter.
About The Author
More Stories
If You See Me Behind Any Politician, Just Know That I’m Doing It For Financial Benefits — Actress Ronke Oshodi-Oke
The Lack of Trust Among Nigerians Is Alarming — Comedian Brain Jotter Says as He Recounts His Experiences
I didn’t see Funke Akindele going this far; if I knew she would, I would have held her tight. Life has taught me to be humble— Actress Bunmi Nelson shares her regrets and apologizes to her colleagues