Again, Portable Challenges Anthony Joshua To Boxing Match
Controversial street-pop musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable has called out former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua to fight following his victory over Speed Darlington in their celebrity boxing match.
Speaking with PUNCH, Portable said, “Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now”
Portable had earlier declared he wants to fight former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua for N100m instead of his scheduled bout with colleague Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington.
The “Zazuu” crooner, who made the decision in a video posted on his Instagram page, stated that Speed Darlington was an unworthy opponent and sought to battle the professional boxing star instead.
The “Zazuu” crooner, who defeated Speed Darlington at the “Chaos In The Ring” bout on April 18 at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, also confirmed receiving N20 million from Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy.
Portable has requested a musical collaboration with Burna Boy, who has been at loggerheads with Speed Darlington, following the generous reward.
The celebrity boxing match ended abruptly in the second round when Speed Darlington was unable to continue after reportedly suffering a dislocated shoulder. Following his defeat, the American-based Nigerian artiste demanded a rematch, claiming his opponent used supernatural forces to secure the win.
“Portable, I want a rematch, it breaks my heart you are carrying that money. It is so unfair, you have up to two experiences fighting. I have not entered ring before,” Speed Darlington lamented in a video posted on Instagram.
The defeated musician further accused the organisers of tribalism, alleging the event favoured Portable because of his Yoruba heritage, despite the outcome being determined by his inability to continue fighting rather than by judges’ scorecards.
Reacting to the accusations, Portable sarcastically embraced the juju allegations, saying, “I am not a loser, I am a winner. He is saying I used juju. Yes, na juju, go find your own juju.”
This is not the first time Portable has expressed interest in fighting Anthony Joshua. Earlier this month, he declared he wanted to fight the boxing star for N100m, stating that Speed Darlington was an unworthy opponent.
“I’m not fighting Speed Darlington again; I want Anthony Joshua with N100m,” Portable had said in a video posted on his Instagram page on April 9.
The victory over Speed Darlington adds to Portable’s boxing record, following his previous win against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in December 2023.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
