Portable to face Charles Okocha in boxing rematch after Carter Efe defeat

Street-pop singer Portable is set to renew his celebrity boxing rivalry with actor and internet sensation Charles Okocha in a rematch billed for July 31 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The bout, promoted as “Unfinished Business,” comes weeks after Portable lost his celebrity boxing crown to comedian Carter Efe.

This was disclosed in a recent post by Balmoral Promotions, which stated that the bout would take place alongside the Agbaje and Musa boxing match.

“Africa, the stage is set. Now, we settle the score. Portable. Charles Okocha. Agbaje. Musa. Four fighters. One ring. No more talk,” the post read.

PidomNigeria Online had reported that Carter Efe handed Portable his first defeat in celebrity boxing after outclassing the singer across three rounds at the Chaos in the Ring 4 event held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

All three judges scored the contest 30-27 in favour of Carter Efe, ending Portable’s unbeaten run in celebrity boxing.

Before the defeat, Portable had built a reputation in the sport by defeating Charles Okocha and Speed Darlington in previous bouts, earning two celebrity boxing belts.

The forthcoming rematch rekindles a rivalry that began in 2023 after Portable accused Okocha of cheating him in a business deal involving about ₦40m, allegations that sparked a public exchange between the pair before culminating in a sanctioned boxing match.

During their first encounter at Landmark Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, Portable was declared the winner after four rounds in a contest that lasted about 40 minutes.

The singer started strongly, dominating the opening round with aggressive jabs before Okocha responded in the second round, landing several punches that briefly put Portable under pressure.

Although both fighters appeared exhausted by the fourth round and declined to continue into a fifth, Portable was eventually declared the winner and awarded the championship belt.

Following the defeat, Okocha questioned the outcome and repeatedly called for a rematch, insisting the contest was not fairly decided.

The July 31 showdown now offers the Nollywood actor an opportunity to settle the score, while Portable will be hoping to bounce back after surrendering his celebrity boxing title to Carter Efe.