Nigerian entertainer Portable challenged heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua to a boxing match on Thursday. He set a condition of N1 billion as the fight purse. Portable made the statement at a public face-off event ahead of his celebrity boxing clash with comedian Carter Efe.
Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, spoke confidently at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos. He declared himself the face of Nigerian boxing. Portable added that no one could take the belt from him. He then turned his attention to the British-Nigerian boxer.
“For N1 billion, I’ll take you down,” Portable said while calling out Anthony Joshua. He claimed promoters needed to offer the huge sum before he would step into the ring against the former world champion. Portable insisted the money motivated him to face Joshua.
The event built hype for the “Chaos in the Ring” exhibition, scheduled for later on Thursday. Organizers streamed the bouts live on DAZN. The card also featured professional fights, including Rasheed Adeyemo against Nicolaus Mdoe.
Portable recently gained attention in celebrity boxing circles. He defeated Speed Darlington in a previous exhibition match. This victory appeared to boost his confidence as he issued the high-stakes challenge.
The call out quickly spread across social media. Fans reacted with a mix of amusement and surprise. Some questioned the realism of a matchup between the street-pop artist and the Olympic gold medalist turned professional boxer. Others viewed it as typical promotional talk from Portable.
Anthony Joshua has not responded to the challenge. The 34-year-old boxer focuses on his professional career. He aims to regain world titles after recent bouts.
Portable used the moment to promote his upcoming fight with Carter Efe. He positioned the event as a major step for Nigerian entertainment boxing. He expressed belief that such high-profile call-outs elevate the sport locally.
The N1 billion demand, roughly equivalent to $600,000 at current rates, highlighted the financial expectations Portable placed on any potential Joshua showdown. He maintained that only this purse would make the fight happen.
As the evening event unfolded, attention remained on Portable’s bold words. The singer continued to draw eyes in Nigeria’s growing celebrity boxing scene.
