Eric Patrick
Controversial Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed his desire to fight former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
This announcement comes after his recent triumph over Speed Darlington in a celebrity boxing match.
He said, “Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now,” Portable told PUNCH Sports Extra.
The “Zazuu” crooner, who defeated Speed Darlington at the “Chaos In The Ring” bout on April 18 at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, also confirmed receiving N20 million from Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy.
Portable has demanded for a music collaboration with Burna Boy, who has ongoing feud with Speed Darlington.
According to the singer, he preferred collaborating with the Grammy Award-wining singer than the N20 million cash reward.
The celebrity boxing match ended abruptly in the second round when Speed Darlington was unable to continue after reportedly suffering a dislocated shoulder.
Following his defeat, the American-based Nigerian artiste demanded a rematch, claiming his opponent used supernatural forces to secure the win.
Speed Darlington lamented in a video posted on his Instagram account saying, “Portable, I want a rematch, it breaks my heart you are carrying that money. It is so unfair, you have up to two experiences fighting, I have not entered ring before.”
READ ALSO: Portable Begs Burna Boy: ‘I Want a Hit, Not Just N20m’
Speed Darlington accused the organisers of tribalism, claiming that the event favored Portable due to his Yoruba background.
He also argued that the result was influenced more by his inability to continue competing than by the judges’ scorecards.
In response to the accusations, Portable took a sarcastic approach, confidently declaring, “I’m not a loser; I’m a winner. He claims I used juju. Absolutely, it’s juju! Now, go find your own juju.”
This is not the first time Portable has expressed interest in fighting Anthony Joshua. Earlier this month, he declared he wanted to fight the boxing star for N100m, stating that Speed Darlington was an unworthy opponent.
“I’m not fighting Speed Darlington again; I want Anthony Joshua with N100m,” Portable had said in a video posted on his Instagram page on April 9.
The victory over Speed Darlington adds to Portable’s boxing record, following his previous win against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in December 2023.