Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained his decision to leave the ring during his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha.
Portable claimed he was treated unfairly during the fight, alleging that Okocha used wrestling tactics instead of boxing and attacked him during the contest.
The “Zazoo Zeh” crooner spoke in a video shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, a day after he was disqualified from the much-publicised bout held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In the video, Portable showed injuries on his back and body, claiming he was bitten during the fight and attacked by multiple people.
According to him, Okocha bit him after he landed a heavy punch, which led to the confrontation in the ring.
“Man, he bit me. I landed a heavy hit on him,” Portable said.
The singer insisted that he was dominating the fight before the incident, claiming he had delivered more punches and was confident of defeating the actor.
“Normally, I beat him up. Man to man, one man is tougher than another. I dealt him a huge blow,” he said.
Explaining why he walked away from the contest, Portable said he was no longer interested in risking his career for boxing matches, adding that he valued his reputation more than the prize money.
“He bit me, number one. He choked my neck. 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.
Portable also claimed he had promised to land 10 punches during the bout and fulfilled that target.
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“I wore one-round cloth to the bout. I wanted to beat him in one round,” he added.
The singer was disqualified after leaving the ring before the end of the opening round of the fight tagged “Unfinished Business.”
The match was organised as a rematch of their previous controversial encounter, which Okocha had claimed was unfairly awarded in Portable’s favour.
Portable initially appeared to have the advantage before the fight turned into a physical struggle, with the referee and officials attempting to separate both fighters.
Although Portable later returned to the ring, officials ruled against him and awarded victory to Okocha.
The defeat marked a turnaround for Portable, who had won their first meeting and confidently declared before the rematch that he remained the better fighter.
