The management of Nigerian singer Portable has issued a formal apology after the street-pop star walked out of his celebrity boxing rematch against Charles Okocha following the first round.
The highly anticipated bout, tagged “Unfinished Business” and staged as part of the Chaos in the Ring event, took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre inside the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a rematch of their controversial 2023 encounter, which Portable had won.
The fight opened aggressively, with Portable appearing to hold the early advantage. However, the contest quickly turned chaotic when both men became locked in a wrestling-style clinch. Portable took Okocha to the canvas, forcing the referee and security personnel to step in to separate them. Shortly afterwards, Portable left the ring. Officials later disqualified him for abandoning the contest and declared Okocha the winner.
READ ALSO: Portable Reveals why he Quit Okocha Rematch Mid-fight
In a press statement released by Zeh Nation, the management expressed deep regret to Balmoral Group, the entire event team, fans, friends, family and everyone who came out to support the singer.
“We sincerely apologize… We understand the disappointment caused by the outcome of the fight and by Portable’s decision to step away after the first round,” the statement read. It asked the public to respect his decision and perspective while taking full responsibility for the letdown.
The team thanked supporters for their unwavering love, appreciated Balmoral Group for organising the event, and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
