Portable Challenges Davido, Zlatan to Boxing Bouts After Carter Efe Defeat
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Nigerian singer Portable has challenged musicians Davido and Zlatan Ibile to boxing matches after his recent defeat to skit maker Carter Efe.
- Portable aims to rebuild his finances and regain his celebrity boxing crown through these potential bouts.
- He also demanded fulfillment of prior pledges from celebrities like KCee and E-Money, and accused the organizers of rigging his fight.
The Nigerian music scene is buzzing, and it seems even the boxing ring is becoming a stage for celebrity rivalries. Following his loss to Carter Efe at the 'Chaos in the Ring 4' event, Habeeb 'Portable' Badmus, known for his energetic performances and sometimes controversial persona, has thrown down the gauntlet to two of Nigeria's biggest music stars: Davido and Zlatan Ibile.
Portable's callouts are not just about settling scores; they're a clear bid to leverage his celebrity status for financial gain. He explicitly stated his desire for "guaranteed fights" to "make money" and reclaim his boxing title. This move highlights a growing trend where Nigerian celebrities are using boxing matches, often framed as exhibition bouts, to generate buzz and income.
Bring Davido or Zlatan. Let me beat them so I can use them to make money and buy what I want. I want a sure fight now so I can make money. I am ready now.
Beyond the boxing ring, Portable's demands from other celebrities, including KCee and E-Money, for unfulfilled pledges underscore the complex web of patronage and public commitments within the Nigerian entertainment industry. His claims of the fight being rigged also point to the high stakes and potential financial disputes that can arise from such high-profile events, especially when significant sums are reportedly wagered.
From a Nigerian perspective, this story is a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of music, celebrity, and commerce. While Western media might focus on the novelty of a musician challenging other musicians to a boxing match, for us, it's a reflection of the hustle culture, the dynamics of fame, and the often-blurry lines between entertainment and business that define our creative landscape. Portable's actions, while perhaps unconventional, are a testament to his drive to capitalize on every opportunity, a trait widely understood and often admired within the Nigerian context.
It was cheating. They couldnโt pay the money, so they rigged it. They couldnโt pay the N23 billion that people bet on me. If Portable wins, they can never pay the money.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.