By Adesakin Adefemi
Social media comedian Carter Efe was handed a N50 million reward by billionaire businessman Emeka ‘E-Money’ Okonkwo Friday night after securing a unanimous decision victory over street-pop star Habeeb ‘Portable’ Badmus at Chaos in the Ring 4 in Lagos.
The celebrity bout headlined a packed card at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. All three judges scored the contest 27-30 in favour of Carter Efe, ending Portable’s run of two previous exhibition wins over Charles Okocha and Speed Darlington.
E-Money confirmed the payout immediately after the main event when Balmoral Group Promotions CEO Ezekiel Adamu asked him to restate his pre-fight pledge. “You know we put our money where our mouth is. Congratulations Carter on your win. N50 million for you,” E-Money announced to cheers from the crowd.
The fight capped a month-long war of words between the pair. Portable had vowed to claim his third celebrity belt, telling Efe, “Charles Okocha was bigger than you, Speed Darlington was bigger than you and I beat them. I will beat you now.” Efe responded, “One punch and you fall.”
Inside the ring, Efe used his height and reach to control the action from the opening bell. While Portable threw wild, looping shots and looked to clinch, Efe stayed composed, landing clean uppercuts and body shots through three rounds to seal the decision.
Balmoral Group CEO Ezekiel Adamu said the event delivered on its promise. “We promised Chaos in the Ring and we have delivered very entertaining fights tonight. There is more coming, thanks to everyone that made this a success and to the fighters for the great display,” Adamu said.
The undercard also featured major title action. Godday Appah was crowned the new WBO Africa cruiserweight champion after a split-decision win over Ezra Arenyeka in a bout billed as a WBO Peace Fight between Itsekiri and Ijaw communities of the Niger Delta.
Earlier, Basit Adebayo claimed the WBO Africa title with a unanimous decision victory over former WABU champion Loren Japhet, adding another belt to the night’s haul of championship contests.
Friday’s result marked Portable’s first loss in celebrity exhibition boxing after previously collecting two belts. For Carter Efe, the win and E-Money’s N50 million prize cap a breakout night that shifted the spotlight from skits to the squared circle.
