Portable Demands N1bn to Strip Anthony Joshua of His Heavyweight Crown

Controversial singer and self-styled face of Nigerian boxing, Portable, has officially challenged former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua to a boxing match, demanding a N1 billion purse for the showdown.

The singer made the bold declaration on Thursday during a heated face-off ahead of his scheduled exhibition match against popular content creator Carter Efe. Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, insisted that his professional record in celebrity boxing makes him a formidable opponent for the international heavyweight star.

For N1 billion, I’ll take you down, Portable asserted during the event. Nobody can take the belt from me. I am the face of Nigerian boxing.

The “Zazuu” crooner has recently built a reputation for high-profile celebrity bouts, recording victories over actor Charles Okocha in 2023, Kizz Daniel’s bodyguard Kelvin Power in 2024, and social media personality Speed Darlington in April 2025.

The immediate focus for the singer remains his clash with Carter Efe, scheduled to take place tonight at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Portable disclosed that he received a N40 million appearance fee for the fight and stands to gain an additional N50 million and a vehicle from business moguls E-Money and Soso Soberekon if he emerges victorious.

Carter Efe, on his part, confirmed his participation was driven by the N50 million prize money promised to the winner.

While the challenge to Anthony Joshua has been met with mixed reactions online, it underscores Portable’s strategy of utilizing high-stakes combat sports to remain at the center of national entertainment discourse. Anthony Joshua’s camp has yet to respond to the singer’s public challenge.