Portable vs Darlington: The Juju-Fueled Celebrity Boxing Saga

In a spectacle that has captivated Nigeria and beyond, controversial musician Habeeb "Portable" Okikiola secured a technical knockout victory over fellow artist Speed Darlington in a highly anticipated celebrity boxing match. The bout, dubbed "Chaos in the Ring," took place on April 18, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. While the event was expected to settle a longstanding feud between the two, it instead ignited a firestorm of controversy and online debate. Portable vs Darlington

The Match That Shook the Internet

The fight commenced with both artists exchanging heated words and promises of dominance. Portable, known for his brash persona, declared himself the "King of the Streets," while Speed Darlington, often referred to as "Akpi," confidently stated he would dethrone Portable. The first round saw intense exchanges, but Speed Darlington failed to return for the second round, citing a dislocated shoulder as the reason for his withdrawal. The referee declared Portable the winner by technical knockout.

The Juju Accusations

In the aftermath, Speed Darlington took to social media to express his disbelief over the outcome. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), he suggested that something unnatural caused his shoulder injury, stating, "I don't know what exactly happened, maybe it was the juju that Portable brought." He further lamented, "The painful thing now is the money given to Portable. He'll go now and be lavishing the money. It's painful. I would have done my own juju."

Portable responded with characteristic bravado, admitting to using "juju" and challenging Speed Darlington to do the same. He posted on Instagram, "I am not a loser, I am a winner. He [Speed Darlington] is saying I used juju. Yes, na juju, go find your own juju."

The Prize and the Fallout

Following his victory, Portable received a ₦20 million cash gift from Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, who praised his triumph over their mutual rival. Portable shared his excitement on social media, stating, "₦20 million from Burna Boy. If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu? God bless your family."

The controversy surrounding the match has sparked widespread debate online. Fans and critics alike are divided, with some supporting Portable's victory and others questioning the legitimacy of the outcome. The incident has reignited discussions about the role of superstition and traditional beliefs in Nigerian sports and entertainment.

Looking Ahead

Despite the controversy, the match has undoubtedly elevated celebrity boxing in Nigeria to new heights. The event's success has prompted discussions about the potential for future celebrity boxing matches and the role of traditional beliefs in these spectacles. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Portable vs. Speed Darlington bout will be remembered as a defining moment in Nigerian celebrity culture.

Was Portable’s victory legitimate, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments!

For a closer look at the match and the aftermath, check out the video below:

Portable vs Darlington