Nigerian street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has responded to his controversial disqualification from a celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha by releasing a diss track aimed at his opponent and the match officials. The song comes just days after the highly publicised bout ended in dramatic fashion in Lagos.
The rematch, tagged “Unfinished Business,” was held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was organised following the pair’s earlier boxing encounter, which Okocha had claimed was unfairly decided in Portable’s favour.
During the contest, the fight became chaotic after both celebrities engaged in a prolonged grappling exchange that resembled wrestling rather than boxing. The referee struggled to restore order, forcing security personnel to step into the ring. In the confusion, Portable left the ring before an official decision was announced, prompting loud reactions from spectators. He later returned but was disqualified by the officials.
Rather than remaining silent after the outcome, Portable returned to the recording studio and released a diss track addressing the controversial ending. In the song, he criticises the officiating and accuses Charles Okocha of contributing to the chaotic scenes that led to his disqualification. He also questions the referee’s handling of the fight and insists that the outcome did not reflect what happened inside the ring.
The release quickly attracted attention on social media, where fans shared mixed reactions. While some supporters praised Portable for turning the incident into music, others argued that the singer should accept the referee’s decision and move on from the boxing rivalry.
Portable has become known for transforming personal controversies into songs, often using music to respond to critics or trending events. His latest release continues that pattern, reinforcing his reputation for reacting swiftly to issues involving his public image.
The celebrity boxing match itself generated significant interest before and after the event, with many fans eager to see whether Okocha could avenge his earlier defeat. Instead, the contest ended in controversy, leaving supporters debating the referee’s decision and the conduct of both fighters.
Sports and entertainment analysts say the incident highlights the growing popularity of celebrity boxing events in Nigeria, where musicians, actors and online personalities increasingly use the platform to entertain fans beyond their primary careers. They note, however, that such events require strict officiating and adherence to boxing rules to maintain credibility.
Despite the setback in the ring, Portable remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about entertainers, with his music and public persona continuing to attract widespread attention. His decision to release a diss track immediately after the fight has kept the controversy in the spotlight and generated fresh conversations among fans.
Whether the rivalry between Portable and Charles Okocha will continue remains uncertain, but the latest episode has added another chapter to one of Nigeria’s most closely followed celebrity feuds. As reactions continue to pour in, the incident has once again demonstrated how sports, entertainment and social media can combine to create major public conversations.
