LAGOS, Nigeria (FN), Nigerian singer Habeeb Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has alleged that his defeat to fellow entertainer Carter Efe at the Chaos in the Ring 4 celebrity boxing event in Lagos was rigged, accusing organizers of cheating him and threatening to take action. His claims have ignited a storm of reactions across Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
Portable, who lost by unanimous decision after three rounds, insisted the fight was stopped unfairly to avoid paying out billions allegedly staked on his victory. “They couldn’t pay the 23 billion naira that people bet on me, so they rigged it,” he said, adding that he was denied the chance to continue fighting despite being fit to carry on.
The singer compared the stoppage to his earlier bout against actor Charles Okocha, arguing that his condition was similar and that organizers should have allowed him to continue. He accused officials of manipulating the contest to favor Carter Efe, ending his unbeaten run in celebrity boxing after previous wins over Charles Okocha and Speed Darlington.
Portable also demanded payment of 200 million naira in streaming revenue from the event, claiming organizers owed him his share of proceeds. “Just give me my money before I cause trouble,” he warned, escalating tensions around the already controversial fight.
Public reaction has been divided. Supporters of Portable flooded social media with messages of solidarity, saying his boldness exposes flaws in celebrity boxing. Critics, however, dismissed his claims as theatrics, arguing that Carter Efe’s victory was legitimate and Portable’s threats were unnecessary.
Adding to the drama, Canada-based Nigerian doctor Arinze Onwumelu, popularly known as Dr Zo, advised Portable to undergo a brain scan, warning that punches during the bout may have affected sensitive areas of his head. He urged organizers to enforce stricter safety standards, including compulsory headguards for participants.
Despite the defeat and allegations of foul play, Portable said the birth of his son on the same night mattered more than the boxing belt. “My wife just gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. I value that more than a belt. You can buy the belt, but not my child,” he said, shifting focus from the controversy to his personal joy.
The fight’s outcome, coupled with Portable’s explosive accusations and medical concerns raised afterward, has kept the story trending nationwide. For fans, the saga underscores the unpredictable mix of rivalry, money, and spectacle that defines Nigeria’s growing celebrity boxing scene.
