Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has alleged that his defeat in Friday’s celebrity boxing match against Carter Efe was deliberately orchestrated to prevent a massive betting payout.
The bout, held in Lagos, saw Carter Efe emerge victorious after judges scored the contest 30–27 in his favour, earning him a reported ₦50 million prize. The result quickly gained traction online, with several celebrities and fans mocking Portable over his pre-fight confidence and bold claims.
Reacting in a video shared on Instagram on Sunday, Portable dismissed the outcome, suggesting the decision was influenced by financial considerations tied to betting stakes.
According to the singer, a large number of bettors had backed him to win, which he claimed would have resulted in a payout running into billions of naira. He argued that awarding him victory would have placed a heavy financial burden on those behind the event.
Portable also disclosed that he received ₦40 million before the fight, along with additional promotional payments, bringing his total earnings from the event to ₦45 million. He further accused his opponent of using unfair techniques and questioned the referee’s impartiality.
Despite the criticism trailing his loss, the singer maintained that he played a key role in popularising celebrity boxing among Nigerian entertainers. He insisted that online mockery would not deter him.
There has been no official response from the event organisers regarding Portable’s claims at the time of filing this report.
