Portable Explains Decision to Abandon Okocha Rematch Bout

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Street-pop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained why he walked out of the ring during his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha.

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The “Zazoo Zeh” singer insisted he was attacked unfairly during the bout and alleged that Okocha resorted to wrestling instead of boxing.

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He spoke in a video posted on his Instagram page on Saturday, hours after he was disqualified in the much-publicised contest held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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In the video, Portable displayed a wound on his back and body, claiming he was bitten during the fight and alleging that multiple people attacked him.

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While showing the marks on his body, Portable said, “They said he eats Molly. He didn’t see Molly anymore. So he ate my back.”

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He also claimed Okocha bit him during the contest.

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“Man, he bit me. I landed a heavy hit on him,” Portable said.

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The singer maintained that he had dominated the fight before the incident, repeatedly insisting he landed more punches on his opponent.

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“Normally, I beat him up. Man to man, one man is tougher than another. I dealt him a huge blow,” he said.

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Explaining his decision to leave the ring, Portable suggested he no longer wished to participate in such fights, saying his career was worth more than the prize money.

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“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!” he said.

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He added that he had promised to deliver 10 blows and fulfilled that promise.

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Turning to his followers, he said, “I wore one-round cloth to the bout. I wanted to beat him in one round.”

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PUNCH Online reports that Portable lost the celebrity boxing rematch against Okocha by disqualification on Friday after walking out of the ring before the end of the opening round.

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The bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” was organised as a rematch of their controversial first encounter, which Okocha had claimed was unfairly awarded in Portable’s favour.

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Portable appeared to have the upper hand before the contest descended into a wrestling-like scuffle, with the referee struggling to separate both fighters.

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The bell eventually rang to end the round, while security personnel and bodyguards intervened to restore order.

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Speaking in the video, the singer said he would not have clinched with Okocha if the actor had not bitten him.

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Although Portable later returned to the ring, officials disqualified him, handing victory to Okocha.

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Before the fight, Portable had told reporters, “I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family.”

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The defeat marked a reversal of fortunes for the singer, who won their first meeting and had boasted during the final weigh-in that he remained the better fighter.

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