Street-pop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, lost his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha by disqualification on Friday after walking out of the ring before the end of the opening round at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” was organised as a rematch of their controversial first encounter, which Okocha had insisted was unfairly awarded in Portable’s favour.
Portable appeared to have the upper hand before the contest descended into a wrestling-like scuffle, with the referee struggling to separate both fighters.
The bell was eventually rung to end the round, while security personnel and bodyguards intervened to restore order.
Amid the commotion, Portable stormed out of the ring before the officials could resume the contest, drawing boos from spectators, including fans in the VIP section who had turned out for the highly anticipated clash.
Although he was persuaded to return to the ring, officials subsequently disqualified him, handing Okocha victory.
Speaking backstage before the fight while holding 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 won their first encounter and had boasted during the final weigh-in that he remained the better fighter.
(Punch)
