Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has alleged that his defeat to Carter Efe at the Chaos in the Ring 4 boxing event in Lagos was manipulated to prevent organizers from paying out large betting winnings.
According to PUNCH Sports Extra, Portable claimed the bout was prematurely stopped despite his ability to continue, insisting that financial stakes influenced the outcome.
“It was dishonest. They manipulated it since they couldn’t afford the money. They tore me apart because we were the winners. The N23 billion that people wagered on me was beyond their means,” he alleged.
The ZaZoo crooner further argued that the stoppage was unjustified, comparing the situation to previous celebrity bouts where he was allowed to continue despite fatigue.
“They ought to have given us more time to fight. They said I was panting—I did the same against Charles Okocha. All they should have done was pour water on me so I could go back and beat him, but they said the fight was over,” he said.
Despite his claims, all three judges scored the contest 27–30 in favour of Carter Efe after three rounds, handing Portable a unanimous decision loss. The defeat ended his run as a celebrity boxing champion, having previously secured victories over Speed Darlington and Charles Okocha.
Beyond the result, Portable also raised financial concerns, demanding what he described as his share of streaming revenue from the event.
“I want to give the organizers my stream money, which is approximately N200 million. Before I get into problems, just give me my money,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian doctor based in Canada, Arinze Onwumelu, also known as Dr. Zo, has advised the singer to undergo medical evaluation following the bout. He warned that repeated blows to the head during the fight could have caused internal damage and recommended an MRI scan to rule out serious conditions.
“Anyone who knows Portable should take him to the hospital for an MRI and brain test; there may be an artery that might have been damaged,” he said, adding that future exhibition fights should mandate the use of protective headgear.
Despite the controversy and health concerns, Portable noted that the birth of his child on the same day overshadowed the loss.
“A bouncing baby boy was just born to my wife. That is more valuable to me than a belt. You can purchase the belt, but not my kid,” he said.