Nollywood actor, Charles Okocha, has denied claims by singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, that he bit him during their recent celebrity boxing rematch in Lagos.
Okocha said the allegation was false, insisting that he wore a mouth guard throughout the contest and therefore could not have bitten the singer.
The two entertainers faced each other at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos on Friday in a highly anticipated rematch.
The contest ended with Okocha emerging as the winner after Portable was disqualified for violating the rules of the fight.
Portable was reportedly disqualified after abandoning the approved wrestling techniques and resorting to punches during the contest. He subsequently walked out of the ring.
The development generated reactions from fans and followers of both entertainers, with Portable later accusing Okocha of biting him during the fight.
The singer alleged that Okocha bit him on the back and also locked his neck during the contest. Portable argued that such actions were not acceptable in a boxing match and questioned why he was allowed to take part in the bout.
However, Okocha has rejected the allegation, describing it as an attempt by Portable to explain his defeat.
Speaking during an appearance on TVC Entertainment on Tuesday, the actor said the claim made no sense because of the protective equipment he was wearing during the contest.
“Portable has been going around telling people I bit him on the back. I was wearing a mouth guard; how is that even possible? He was just lying,” Okocha said.
The actor also said he had no reason to bite the singer and urged him to accept the outcome of the contest.
“I would rather chew grass than bite him. I don’t want to catch rabies. Have you seen how Portable’s skin looks? Hell no, I wouldn’t do that. He should just accept defeat,” he said.
The remarks have added another layer to the rivalry between the two entertainers, whose boxing encounters have attracted considerable attention from fans of entertainment and celebrity sports.
The latest contest was not the first time Okocha and Portable had faced each other in a boxing ring.
The pair previously met in a celebrity boxing match in 2023 at Landmark Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Portable won that contest and claimed the championship belt after defeating Okocha.
The rematch therefore provided Okocha with an opportunity to even the score, which he eventually did after Portable was disqualified.
Celebrity boxing has become increasingly popular among Nigerian entertainers and social media personalities, with musicians, actors, comedians and content creators taking part in exhibition-style contests.
Such events often attract large audiences because of the personalities involved, while also generating strong reactions online.
Unlike professional boxing, celebrity boxing bouts are usually organised primarily for entertainment, although participants are expected to follow rules designed to protect them from serious injuries.
The use of protective equipment, referees and specific rules is therefore important during such contests.
The disagreement between Okocha and Portable has, however, shifted attention from the sporting aspect of the rematch to the accusations that followed it.
Portable, who is known for his energetic performances and outspoken personality, has built a large following through his music and frequent social media activities.
He has also been involved in several controversies outside music, including public disputes with other entertainers and officials.
Okocha, popularly known by his nickname “Igwe Tupac,” is also a familiar face in Nollywood and on social media. He has appeared in several Nigerian films and is known for his comic roles and energetic style.
The actor has in recent years expanded his activities beyond acting, including participation in celebrity sporting events.
The boxing contest between the two entertainers was therefore widely followed online, with fans sharing videos and reactions to the fight.
Portable’s decision to leave the ring after his disqualification also became a major talking point.
The rules governing the contest reportedly limited the techniques that could be used by the participants. Portable’s alleged use of punches after beginning with wrestling techniques was cited as the reason for his disqualification.
Rather than accepting the decision quietly, the singer later raised questions about the conduct of the contest and accused Okocha of biting him.
Okocha’s response suggests that the dispute is unlikely to end with the result announced in the ring, as both entertainers continue to trade comments after the contest.
For Okocha, however, the issue is straightforward: he believes he won the fight and that Portable should accept the result.
The actor’s claim that he wore a mouth guard throughout the contest is also central to his defence against the biting allegation.
The latest controversy comes shortly after Portable suffered another defeat in celebrity boxing.
The singer recently lost a separate contest to skit maker and content creator Carter Efe.
That defeat, combined with the loss to Okocha, has given Portable two recent setbacks in celebrity boxing.
Despite the controversies surrounding the fights, celebrity boxing continues to attract interest among Nigerian entertainers and their followers.
The events provide celebrities with opportunities to entertain their audiences outside their usual careers while also generating publicity on social media.
For now, the latest Okocha-Portable contest has ended with Okocha being declared the winner, while the two entertainers continue to disagree over what happened inside the ring.
Okocha has maintained that he did not bite Portable and has urged the singer to accept the result of their rematch.