Nigerian street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained why he walked out of his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, insisting that the contest became unfair.
The singer addressed the incident in a video shared on his Instagram page after the bout, claiming Okocha abandoned boxing tactics and resorted to wrestling during the fight.
Portable also alleged that he was bitten during the contest, displaying marks on his back and body which he claimed were sustained inside the ring.
According to the singer, the incident changed the course of the fight and influenced his decision to stop participating.
“He bit me. He choked my neck. That’s why I say I don’t fight again. I’m big. I’m bigger than the money. I’m a star,” Portable said.
He maintained that he had dominated the contest before the altercation, insisting he landed more punches than his opponent.
Portable also told his followers that he entered the fight expecting to finish it quickly, claiming he wore an outfit designed for a one-round victory and had fulfilled his promise to land multiple punches.
DailyInsightNG gathered that the celebrity bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The rematch was organised following the pair’s earlier boxing contest, which ended in controversy after Okocha disputed the result that favoured Portable.
During Friday’s encounter, the fight briefly descended into a wrestling-style struggle, forcing the referee and security personnel to intervene before the opening round ended.
Although Portable later returned to the ring, officials ruled that he had abandoned the contest and subsequently disqualified him, awarding victory to Okocha.
Before the fight, the singer had expressed confidence in retaining his bragging rights after defeating the actor in their previous meeting.
Despite his explanation, boxing officials have not publicly responded to Portable’s allegations regarding the conduct of the bout.