Nigerian street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has lost his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha by disqualification.
The highly anticipated bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The fight was organised as a rematch following controversy surrounding their first encounter, which Okocha had claimed was unfairly awarded in Portable’s favour.
Portable appeared to have the early advantage in the rematch before the contest descended into a wrestling-style scuffle, forcing the referee to struggle to separate the two fighters.
The bell was eventually rung to signal the end of the opening round, while security personnel and bodyguards moved in to restore order.
However, Portable subsequently walked out of the ring before officials could resume the contest, drawing boos from spectators, including fans in the VIP section who had gathered for the much-anticipated bout.
Although he was later persuaded to return to the ring, officials disqualified the singer, handing Okocha the victory.
Speaking backstage before the fight while carrying his son, Portable had said, “I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family.”
The defeat marks a reversal of fortunes for the singer, who defeated Okocha in their first encounter and had maintained during the final weigh-in that he was still the better fighter.
