The headline celebrity rematch ended in high drama. Street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, was disqualified after exiting the ring before the first round concluded against actor Charles Okocha. The bout, billed as “Unfinished Business,” briefly descended into chaos following a wrestling exchange that required security intervention. Portable left the ring and, despite attempting a later return, officials ruled him out, awarding the win to Okocha. Prior to the fight, Portable had expressed his state of mind, stating, “I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family.”

Before the controversial main event, Basit “Joker Boy” Adebayo delivered one of the night’s premier performances by stopping Said Mohamed Hassan in the second round. The Nigerian boxer dominated from the start, securing a clinical knockout. Reflecting on the win, Adebayo said, “First of all, I want to thank Allah. I didn’t know round two was the round. I promised him round five. I prepared for this fight, and I was determined to face off with him.” The boxer also voiced his future intentions, asserting, “I’m ready to be the face of Nigeria. I think I am currently the face of boxing in Nigeria.”

In other action, Yusuf Adeniji secured a unanimous decision victory over Rilwan Lawal in their super-featherweight clash. The judges scored the bout 79-72, 78-73, and 78-73, rewarding Adeniji for a composed and strategic performance.

A major upset occurred when Suleiman Jafaru scored a stunning knockout against former British super-welterweight champion Samuel Antwi. The victory earned Jafaru an immediate promotional deal with Balmoral Promotions and an electric car from an event sponsor.

Elsewhere on the card, Michael Babalola maintained his unblemished professional record with a unanimous decision win against Abidemi Rabiu, while Shiloh “Sugar Shy” Defreitas defeated Ghana’s Eric “Kojo” Quarm via unanimous decision in their welterweight bout.

In the evening’s other celebrity matchup, music artists Mr Real and Idowest battled to a five-round draw. Idowest contested the decision, arguing he did enough to win, prompting organizers to announce a rematch scheduled for October 1.

In a statement released on Saturday, Portable’s management team, Zeh Nation/Dr Zeh, expressed regret to the organizers, event officials, and all supporters in attendance.

“We sincerely apologise to the organisers, Balmoral Group, the entire event team, our fans, friends, family, and everyone who came out to support Portable at tonight’s celebrity boxing event,” the statement conveyed.

While acknowledging the frustration caused by the abrupt end to the match, the management appealed for public understanding of the singer’s decision.

“We understand the disappointment caused by the outcome of the fight and by Portable’s decision to step away after the first round,” it stated. “While emotions can run high in moments like these, we respectfully ask everyone to respect his decision and perspective.”

Although the statement did not provide a specific reason for Portable’s refusal to continue, his representatives accepted full responsibility for the controversial conclusion and the negative impact on fans.

“On behalf of Portable’s management, we take full responsibility for the disappointment this may have caused. We remain grateful for the unwavering love and support shown to him throughout this journey,” the statement added.

The management team also commended the Balmoral Group and other officials for their role in organizing the event.

“We appreciate Balmoral Group and everyone involved for putting together a great event, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” it said.

Concluding the statement, the representatives assured the public that they have taken the feedback into account and are committed to using this experience for future improvement.

“We have taken note of the feedback, and we are committed to learning from this experience. We promise to come back stronger and do better next time,” it concluded.

Friday’s bout was a rematch of their initial celebrity boxing encounter in December 2023, which Portable won. Following that defeat, Okocha triggered the rematch clause seeking redemption. The build-up to the fight involved significant trash-talking between the two entertainers, heightening expectations for the resolution of their feud in the ring. Portable also entered the fight aiming to bounce back from a loss to content creator Carter Efe earlier in 2026. However, the rematch ended anticlimactically with Portable’s refusal to fight past the first round.

This high-profile celebrity bout tops a stacked fight card that also features several professional contests showcasing both Nigerian and international boxing talent.

Portable enters the ring brimming with confidence, having prepared for the showdown under the guidance of professional boxing coach Taiwo Esepo Agbaje. Conversely, Okocha has dismissed the pre-fight trash talk, asserting that the only place that matters is inside the squared circle.

“I don’t worry. Talking and fighting are two different things. I’ll prove myself in the ring on the 31st. That’s where the real business begins,” Okocha stated following Wednesday’s press conference.

When asked about his strategy and potential for an early stoppage, the actor was direct, saying, “If the opportunity comes in the first round, I’ll take it. If not, then the second round. Like I’ve always said, Portable is removable.“

Okocha further revealed he trained in the United Kingdom, sparring with elite fighters to elevate his overall game. He clarified that his preparation was not solely focused on Portable, but rather on future, more significant challenges.

Adding to the celebrity excitement, musicians Idowest and Mr Real will also settle their long-standing public feud in a separate boxing match on the same card. The victors of both celebrity bouts will each be awarded a brand new electric vehicle.

The event also boasts a significant professional lineup. British-based Nigerian boxer Samuel Antwi is set to make a homecoming appearance against Tanzania’s Suleiman Jafaru in a key professional fight.

“First of all, thank you to everyone who came out today and to those watching online. It’s great to be back in Nigeria. Every fight is different, but I’m always looking for the win,” Antwi commented.

Jafaru, known for letting his fists do the talking, responded respectfully but firmly: “I’m not someone who talks too much. I respect every opponent I face. We’ll settle everything in the ring.“

The professional card is further strengthened by WBO Africa champion Basit Adebayo facing Tanzania’s Said “Bulldog” Chino, and Taiwo Esepo Agbaje taking on South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika, alongside numerous other bouts featuring top African talent.