By Adesakin Adefemi
Controversial singer Portable has thrown down a challenge to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, demanding a N1 billion purse to step into the ring with the British-Nigerian boxer.
The “Zazoo Zeh” crooner made the callout on Thursday during a heated face-off ahead of his exhibition bout against streamer Carter Efe, scheduled for May 1 at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
Declaring himself the “face of Nigeria boxing,” Portable insisted no one can take the unofficial title from him. “For N1 billion, I’ll take you down,” he said, directly addressing Joshua in a video that has since gone viral on social media.
The challenge was captured in a clip shared by X user @OneJoblessBoy, which showed Portable flanked by promoters and fans as he doubled down on his demand. The post was tagged “breaking news” and quickly sparked debate over whether the matchup could ever materialize.
Portable is no stranger to celebrity boxing. He defeated social media personality Speed Darlington in April 2025, outboxed actor Charles Okocha in December 2023, and claimed victory over Kelvin Power, Kizz Daniel’s bodyguard, in February 2024.
His upcoming opponent, Carter Efe, confirmed the stakes for their May 1 fight. According to Efe, producer Soso Soberekon told him the winner would receive N50 million. Portable, however, revealed he was paid N40 million just to agree to the fight.
The singer also disclosed additional incentives tied to a win against Carter Efe. He said businessman E-Money and Soberekon each promised him N50 million and a car if he emerges victorious in the exhibition bout.
While a fight with Anthony Joshua remains unlikely, Portable’s challenge has drawn attention to Nigeria’s growing celebrity boxing scene. Promoters have increasingly turned to entertainers to headline events that blend sport and showbiz.
Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, has not responded to Portable’s callout. The boxer is currently focused on professional bouts as he works toward another world title shot, making a crossover fight improbable without major promoter backing.
Still, Portable’s N1 billion demand sets a high bar and keeps him in headlines ahead of his clash with Carter Efe. The Lagos event is expected to draw a mix of music fans, content creators, and boxing enthusiasts as celebrity fights gain traction in Nigeria.
