Portable Explains Why He Walked Out of Okocha Rematch

Portable says he walked out of his celebrity boxing rematch against Charles Okocha because the actor allegedly bit him and grabbed his neck instead of following boxing rules. Officials, however, ruled that leaving the ring amounted to abandoning the fight and disqualified the singer, awarding victory to Okocha.

Daniel Momodu · August 1, 2026 · 72

Controversial street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained why he walked out of his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, insisting that his opponent abandoned boxing rules and resorted to foul play during the contest. The bout, tagged "Unfinished Business," ended in controversy after Portable was disqualified for leaving the ring, handing victory to Okocha.

Speaking after the fight, Portable alleged that Okocha bit him and grabbed him by the neck during the opening round, actions he claimed prompted his decision to quit the contest. According to the singer, the fight had turned into a wrestling match rather than a boxing bout, making it unsafe for him to continue.

"He bit me, number one. He choked my neck. Camera it. That's why I say I don't fight again. I'm big! I'm bigger than the money! I'm a star!" Portable said while defending his actions.

Portable further claimed that he had already achieved his objective in the fight before walking away. He maintained that he had promised to land ten punches on Okocha and fulfilled that promise during the opening exchanges. He also told supporters that he had intended to finish the contest in a single round, saying, "I wore one-round cloth to the bout. I wanted to beat him in one round."

The highly anticipated rematch took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. During the opening round, the contest descended into repeated grappling, forcing the referee and security personnel to intervene. After the bell ended the round, Portable left the ring amid the confusion. Although officials later persuaded him to return, he was disqualified for abandoning the contest, with Charles Okocha declared the winner.

The rematch was organised to settle lingering disputes from their first celebrity boxing encounter in 2023, which Portable won. Okocha had challenged that result, insisting the earlier bout was unfairly decided, leading to the "Unfinished Business" rematch. Despite Portable's protest over the officiating and his opponent's conduct, organisers upheld the disqualification, giving Okocha the victory.