Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was disqualified during his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha after walking out of the ring before the end of the opening round on Friday.
The bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and was organised as a rematch following Okocha’s claims that their first meeting had been unfairly awarded in Portable’s favour.
Portable appeared to be in control during the early stages of the contest before the fight degenerated into a wrestling-style scuffle, leaving the referee struggling to separate both fighters.
The opening round was eventually brought to an end as security personnel and bodyguards stepped in to restore calm inside the ring.
In the midst of the commotion, Portable walked out of the ring before officials could restart the contest, prompting boos from spectators, including fans seated in the VIP section.
Although efforts were made to persuade the singer to return, officials ultimately ruled him disqualified, awarding victory to Okocha.
Speaking backstage before the bout while carrying his son, Portable had said, “I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family.”
The outcome marks a dramatic turnaround from their first encounter, which Portable won, having earlier declared during the final weigh-in that he remained the superior fighter.