Nigerian street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has explained why he walked out of his celebrity boxing rematch against actor Charles Okocha, alleging that he was bitten and unfairly attacked during the contest.
The highly anticipated bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Officials awarded the contest to Okocha after Portable exited the ring before the end of the opening round, resulting in his disqualification.
Reacting to the outcome in a video shared on Instagram on Saturday, Portable displayed what he described as injuries sustained during the fight, showing marks on his back and body.
The singer claimed Okocha bit and choked him during the bout and further alleged that other individuals also attacked him. His allegations have not been independently verified, and Okocha had not publicly responded to those specific claims at the time of reporting.
“He bit me. I landed a heavy hit on him. He choked my neck. That’s why I said I won’t fight again. I’m bigger than the money. I’m a star,” Portable said in the video.
The rematch was organised to settle the rivalry from their first celebrity boxing encounter, which Okocha had previously insisted was wrongly awarded to Portable.
The fight began with both men exchanging punches before it quickly descended into a chaotic struggle. The referee repeatedly attempted to separate the pair as the contest took on a wrestling-like nature.
Security personnel and bodyguards entered the ring after the bell sounded to restore order, bringing an abrupt end to the opening round.
Despite leaving the ring, Portable maintained that he had delivered on his promise to dominate the contest.
He claimed he landed the punches he intended to throw and insisted he would not have resorted to clinching if Okocha had not allegedly bitten him.
Portable later returned to the ring, but match officials had already declared him disqualified, handing victory to Okocha.
The result marked a dramatic reversal from their first meeting, which Portable won.
Following the contest, the singer suggested he may be done with celebrity boxing, while the controversial outcome sparked heated reactions online, with supporters of both men continuing to debate the events that unfolded inside the ring.
