Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been celebrating his victory over rival Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, who has attributed his defeat in Saturday’s celebrity boxing clash to the alleged use of “juju” (charms) by his opponent, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Portable took to Instagram on Saturday to revel in his triumph at the “Chaos In The Ring” event sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control held at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, posting, “Champion forever. I believe in (those) who believe in me. Na God dey run am. Orilomo.”
Later in the day, he added another celebratory post on his Instagram story, writing, “Joy full my body, money don land.”
Portable emerged victorious via technical knockout in the second round after Speed Darlington refused to stand up following the end of the first round, bringing their highly-anticipated clash to an abrupt conclusion.
In a video posted to X following the bout, Speed Darlington claimed his shoulder became dislocated during the match despite not experiencing any significant fatigue, suggesting that Portable may have introduced native charms into the ring to influence the outcome.
“I no know Wetin happen whether na juju wey Portable carry come, I never tire, my shoulder just dislocated,” he said in pidgin.
Continuing in English, he said, “I felt it was because I was swinging wide. The ambulance on ground fixed my dislocated shoulder but I was told not to continue because it might lead to surgery. The painful thing now is the money given to Portable, he’ll go now and be lavishing the money. It’s painful I’ll have done my own Juju,” he said.
The celebrity boxing match was the culmination of a heated rivalry that escalated in recent weeks, with both musicians engaging in a mini-tussle during their weigh-ins on Friday that required security intervention.
This latest victory adds to Portable’s boxing record, following his previous win against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in December 2023.
Prior to the fight, Portable had taunted his opponent, saying, “I am a street fighter, and they (Balmoral) paid me money to beat you, so I will beat you. You are a mosquito, and a mosquito can’t beat a lion.”
Speed Darlington responded with equal confidence, threatening, “I will bring the coffin for you and bury you in it after I beat you.”
The animosity between the two artistes reportedly began when Speed Darlington offered Portable ₦500,000 to perform at an event, an offer the “Zazuu” crooner considered insulting.
The “Chaos In The Ring” event, organised by Game Rush and Balmoral Promotions, featured several other matches with both local and international boxers.
In other bouts, Idowu Rasheed retained his UBO All African Light-Heavyweight title by forcing Ahmed Swedy’s corner to throw in the towel in the third round, while Ezra Arenyeka defeated Muritador Monyasahu by unanimous decision after eight rounds in their Cruiserweight clash.
The event also saw Stephen Kadima and Alaoma Tyison battle to a draw in their eight-round Cruiserweight contest, while Nigerian Ahmed Lawal secured a unanimous decision victory over Ugandan Usero Henry in their Lightweight clash, scoring three knockdowns on his way to victory.
Lekan Muibi delivered the first knockout of the night, stopping Marciano Commey in the first round, while Taiwo Rasheed defeated Sunday Abudu by unanimous decision after six rounds in their Heavyweight contest.
In the women’s bout, UK’s Charley Brown defeated Benin Republic’s Sarah Ahouandjinou by unanimous decision.
Source: www.punchng.com
