By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS – Nollywood actor Charles Okocha secured revenge over street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, after emerging victorious in their highly anticipated celebrity boxing rematch held on Friday night at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” attracted a large crowd of fans, celebrities and boxing enthusiasts who gathered to witness the latest chapter in the entertainers’ long-running rivalry.
The contest, however, ended in controversy after Portable was disqualified in the opening round for walking out of the ring following repeated interruptions and a chaotic exchange between both fighters. Officials subsequently declared Okocha the winner, handing the actor a long-awaited victory after he lost their first meeting.
The fight began at a frantic pace, with both celebrities exchanging punches before the action briefly descended into a wrestling-style scuffle, prompting the referee and security personnel to intervene.
Portable initially appeared determined to dominate the contest, but the bout took a dramatic turn when he left the ring before the fight could continue. Despite efforts by officials to persuade him to return, the singer was eventually disqualified, while Okocha celebrated his victory inside the ring.
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The Merit Newspaper reports that the rematch was organised following Okocha’s insistence that the first fight, which Portable won in 2023, was unfairly decided. Weeks of heated exchanges, face-offs and social media taunts had built anticipation for Friday night’s showdown, making it one of Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity sporting events.
The event formed part of the popular “Chaos in the Ring” celebrity boxing series, which continues to blend entertainment and professional boxing while attracting millions of online views and widespread public attention.
