"Why I Couldn't Continue": Portable Speaks Out After Abandoning Okocha Rematch

Portable (Nigerian singer and songwriter)

Street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has clarified his decision to leave the ring during a celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, alleging that he was subjected to unfair tactics during the bout.

Following his disqualification from the match, the singer released a video on his Instagram page claiming that Okocha deviated from standard boxing rules into wrestling and resorted to biting him during the contest.

Displaying what he asserted were bite marks and physical injuries across his back and body, Portable stated, “He bit me. I landed a heavy hit on him,” while further alleging that multiple individuals attacked him during the ensuing altercation.

The singer maintained that he was dominating the match before the incident escalated into an unscripted physical clash.

“Normally, I beat him up. Man to man, one man is tougher than another. I dealt him a huge blow,” he said, insisting he had landed more punches than his opponent.

Explaining his decision to leave the ring, Portable stated that he was unwilling to jeopardize his career over celebrity boxing, asserting that his professional standing far outweighed the fight's financial purse.

“He bit me, number one. 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!” he declared.

Portable further claimed that he fulfilled his promise to land 10 punches on Okocha before exiting the ring.

“I wore one-round cloth to the bout. I wanted to beat him in one round,” he added.

The highly anticipated rematch, billed as “Unfinished Business,” took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. However, the contest quickly devolved into a chaotic scuffle before security personnel stepped in to restore order.

Portable walked out of the ring prior to the conclusion of the opening round. Although he eventually returned, fight officials disqualified him, awarding the victory to Okocha.

The decision marks Portable’s second consecutive defeat in three months, following his loss to Carter Efe on May 2nd.