Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, suffered a dramatic defeat in his highly anticipated celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha after walking out of the ring and being disqualified before the end of the opening round.
The bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was organised as a rematch of their controversial first encounter, which Okocha had maintained was unfairly awarded in Portable’s favour.
Portable appeared to have the upper hand in the early exchanges before the contest descended into a wrestling-like scuffle, with the referee repeatedly struggling to separate both fighters.
The opening round eventually ended as security personnel and bodyguards entered the ring to restore order.
Amid the confusion, Portable suddenly stormed out of the ring before officials could resume the contest, drawing loud boos from spectators, including fans seated in the VIP section.
Although he was persuaded to return, officials ruled that his actions warranted disqualification, handing victory to Okocha.
Moments before the fight, Portable had spoken backstage while holding his son, expressing hope for a positive outcome.
“I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family,” he said.
The defeat marked a reversal of fortunes for the singer, who won their first meeting and had confidently declared during the final weigh-in that he remained the better fighter.
Instead, the rematch ended in dramatic fashion, with Okocha emerging victorious after Portable’s unexpected walkout brought one of Nigeria’s biggest celebrity boxing clashes to an abrupt conclusion.
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