Nigerian street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, sensationally abandoned his celebrity boxing rematch against actor Charles Okocha after a chaotic opening round in Lagos.
The highly anticipated bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” was the main event of the Chaos in the Ring card held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, on Friday night.
The contest quickly descended into drama as Portable and Okocha engaged in a physical confrontation that appeared to go beyond conventional boxing.
Portable reportedly turned the fight into a wrestling-style contest during the opening round, grabbing Okocha and taking him down onto the canvas.
Despite the referee’s attempts to restore order, Portable continued the confrontation even after the bell had sounded to signal the end of the first round.
The situation became increasingly chaotic as members of both fighters’ corners entered the ring to separate the two men.
After eventually being pulled away from Okocha, Portable appeared visibly agitated and moved around the ring in frustration.
He subsequently left the ring and remained outside for several minutes despite efforts to persuade him to return and continue the contest.
By the time Portable was eventually encouraged to reconsider, it was too late for the bout to resume.
Okocha was subsequently declared the winner via unanimous decision after Portable failed to return to the contest, bringing a bizarre end to their highly anticipated rematch.
The dramatic conclusion adds another chapter to the rivalry between the two entertainers.
Portable had defeated Okocha in their first celebrity boxing encounter in December 2023, winning by unanimous decision. Okocha later exercised a rematch clause to settle the score.
The rematch had generated considerable attention in the build-up, with both men trading verbal jabs and promising victory.
However, instead of a prolonged boxing contest, the fight ended amid scenes of confusion and controversy, with Portable’s decision to leave the ring ultimately costing him the opportunity to settle the rivalry on his terms.
