Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, suffered defeat in his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha after being disqualified for leaving the ring before the end of the opening round.
The much-anticipated contest, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The rematch was arranged following controversy surrounding their first meeting, which Okocha had maintained was wrongly awarded in Portable’s favour.
The fight began at a fast pace, with Portable appearing to enjoy an early advantage before the contest deteriorated into a physical tussle resembling a wrestling match.
As both men grappled in the ring, the referee struggled to regain control, prompting security personnel and members of both camps to step in after the bell signalled the end of the round.
Amid the confusion, Portable left the ring before officials could restart the contest, drawing loud reactions from spectators, including fans seated in the VIP section.
Although efforts were made to convince the singer to return, officials ruled that his actions breached the contest’s regulations and subsequently disqualified him, awarding victory to Charles Okocha.
Before the bout, Portable had expressed hope for a positive outcome while speaking backstage alongside his son.
“I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family,” the singer said.
The result marks a dramatic turnaround from their first meeting, where Portable emerged victorious and later insisted he remained the superior fighter ahead of the rematch.
Friday’s outcome settles the rivalry in Okocha’s favour, while attention is expected to shift to whether the celebrity pair will continue their feud outside the boxing ring.