Controversial artist Speed Darlington has accused his coach Esehpo of betrayal and alleged the use of supernatural powers by his opponent, Portable, following his defeat in their highly publicised celebrity boxing match, Chaos in the Rings.
The fight was held on April 18, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos.
Portable, also known as Badmus Okikiola, emerged victorious via technical knockout in the second round after Speed Darlington sustained a hand injury, reportedly a dislocated shoulder, rendering him unable to continue.
The fight was the climax of a long-standing feud between the two entertainers.
However, in the aftermath of the bout, Speed Darlington took to Instagram to voice his grievances, claiming his trainer, Esehpo, abandoned him post-fight to celebrate Portable’s victory at a nightclub.
He also accused the event organisers of tribalism and claimed the outcome was rigged in favour of Portable, citing the Yoruba heritage of both the judges and his opponent.
“Yoruba judges, Yoruba is everything… of course Yoruba gang will win,” Speed Darlington said during a live session, suggesting bias against him.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy gifted Portable ₦20 million following the win. Portable confirmed the gesture in an Instagram post, taunting critics: “If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu?”
Speed Darlington, visibly upset, demanded a rematch, alleging that Portable used “juju” to secure the win.
“It is so unfair. You have up to two experiences fighting. I have never entered a ring before,” he said, requesting time for proper training before a possible rematch.
“I need at least 30 days of training… then I will do my own juju.”
Portable, in response, mocked the allegations, saying, “Yes, na juju. Go find your own juju,” while reaffirming his win and dismissing Speed Darlington’s excuses.
The fight was not without drama even before it began.
A scuffle broke out between the two artistes during their weigh-in, requiring security intervention.
Portable now boasts a 2-0 celebrity boxing record, having previously defeated Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in 2023.
As debates rage on social media, fans remain divided over the legitimacy of the match’s outcome, while all eyes are on whether the proposed rematch will materialise.
