Habeeb Okikiola, known by his stage name Portable, a controversial figure in the Nigerian street-pop music scene, has set his sights on a new opponent following his recent victory in a celebrity boxing match. Fresh off defeating Speed Darlington, another Nigerian artist, Portable has audaciously challenged former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua to a fight. This declaration comes as a surprising escalation after Portable’s win against Speed Darlington at the “Chaos In The Ring” event held in Lagos, Nigeria. Portable’s confidence appears to be fueled not only by the victory itself but also by a substantial financial reward he received from Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, amounting to N20 million. This unexpected windfall has further emboldened Portable, leading him to not only call out a world-renowned boxer but also to request a musical collaboration with Burna Boy, who has had past disagreements with Speed Darlington.
The boxing match between Portable and Speed Darlington ended in a rather anticlimactic fashion. During the second round, Speed Darlington sustained a shoulder injury, reportedly a dislocation, forcing a premature end to the bout. The abrupt conclusion left Speed Darlington dissatisfied, prompting him to publicly demand a rematch with Portable. He attributed his loss to supernatural forces allegedly employed by Portable, claiming that the “Zazuu” crooner used “juju” (a West African term for magical charms or spells) to gain an unfair advantage. He also leveled accusations of tribal bias against the organizers, suggesting that they favored Portable due to his Yoruba heritage. However, the outcome of the match was determined by Speed Darlington’s inability to continue, not by judges’ scoring, a fact that seemingly undermines his claims of unfairness.
Portable, in response to Speed Darlington’s accusations, embraced the juju claims with sarcasm, taunting his defeated opponent to find his own magical means to win. He firmly asserted his victory, dismissing Speed Darlington’s complaints as the words of a sore loser. This incident is not an isolated case of Portable expressing an interest in facing off against prominent figures in the boxing world. Prior to the fight with Speed Darlington, he had publicly stated his desire to fight Anthony Joshua for a hefty sum of N100 million, even deeming Speed Darlington an unworthy opponent. This prior declaration suggests that the challenge to Joshua is not merely a spontaneous outburst following his recent win but rather a pre-existing ambition.
The victory against Speed Darlington further cements Portable’s burgeoning boxing record, adding to his previous win against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in December 2023. While Portable’s musical career has been marked by controversy and outspokenness, his foray into the world of celebrity boxing demonstrates a willingness to engage in unconventional forms of competition and self-promotion. His challenge to Anthony Joshua, a globally recognized boxing figure, is seen by many as a publicity stunt rather than a serious sporting proposition. The sheer disparity in experience and training between the two makes an actual fight highly improbable. However, it does highlight Portable’s knack for generating buzz and keeping himself in the public eye.
The intertwining of Portable’s musical career with his boxing endeavors, coupled with his public pronouncements and the financial backing from Burna Boy, creates a complex narrative that fuels public interest. The controversy surrounding the Speed Darlington fight, including the accusations of juju and bias, adds another layer to Portable’s already provocative persona. His actions, while sometimes perceived as outlandish, contribute to his image as a disruptive force in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
In conclusion, Portable’s victory over Speed Darlington, followed by his audacious challenge to Anthony Joshua, has solidified his image as a controversial yet captivating figure. While his boxing ambitions may seem far-fetched, they underscore his knack for self-promotion and his willingness to engage in unconventional activities to maintain his public profile. The financial reward from Burna Boy, coupled with the ongoing feud between Burna Boy and Speed Darlington, further complicates the narrative, adding fuel to the fire of Portable’s burgeoning career as both a musician and a self-proclaimed boxing enthusiast. The incident highlights the intersection of music, celebrity culture, and sporting spectacle in contemporary Nigeria, where individuals like Portable thrive on creating controversy and capturing public attention.
