The brewing tension between controversial music star Habeeb ‘Portable’ Badmus and popular skit-maker Carter Efe is expected to hit a boiling point on Tuesday as the two social media rivals meet face-to-face in Ikeja, Lagos.
The highly anticipated confrontation comes just weeks ahead of their scheduled celebrity boxing bout, slated to take place at the Federal Palace Hotel on May 1.
The pre-fight atmosphere has been heavily charged, largely fueled by Portable’s relentless online taunts. In recent weeks, the Zazu crooner has repeatedly fired shots at Carter Efe, accusing his opponent of attempting to pull out of the fight and boldly predicting a first-round knockout.
“I’m ready to beat the hell out of him. Him think say him fit run? The fight must happen. Carter Efe no fit hide. I go find him,” Portable boasted in a recent chat with PUNCH Sports Extra. “One round, that’s all I need. After one round, them go carry him go hospital.”
Portable has also been highly dismissive of Carter Efe’s training camp. He recently mocked Efe’s sparring partner, Small Doctor, claiming he had already physically assaulted the singer during a past confrontation at the home of Lagos businessman Abu Abel.
When it comes to the boxing ring, Portable is not entirely inexperienced. He has carved out a credible record for himself within the Nigerian entertainment boxing space, having previously secured victories over actor Charles Okocha and rapper Speed Darlington in celebrity exhibition bouts.
The upcoming May 1 clash is officially sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and serves as the headline event for the “Chaos in the Ring 4” card.
The event is promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions in partnership with former world heavyweight champion Amir Khan’s AK Promotions and will be broadcast live globally on the DAZN network.
While the Portable vs. Carter Efe bout is the main celebrity attraction, the event also boasts a stacked professional undercard.
The professional fights are headlined by a high-stakes WBO cruiserweight “Peace Fight” between Ezra Arenyeka (15-2, 12 KOs) and Godday Appah (14-2, 13 KOs).
The bout is billed as a symbolic contest between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities of the Niger Delta, rounding out what promises to be a landmark night for boxing in Nigeria.
