Nigerian singer Portable and content creator Carter Efe are set to settle their long-running social media rivalry in the boxing ring when they headline a celebrity bout in Lagos on May 1.
The fight, tagged “Chaos in the Ring,” will take place at the Federal Palace Hotel and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
Promoted by Balmoral Group in partnership with AK Promotions founded by former world champion Amir Khan, the event is expected to mark one of the first major influencer boxing showcases on the African continent.
Portable, popularly known as the “Zazu” crooner, and Carter Efe—who together command more than 10 million followers across social media platforms—have been involved in a series of online clashes in recent years. Promoters say the rivalry has created the perfect build-up for a celebrity boxing spectacle.
Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group, Ezekiel Adamu, said the fight night is designed to highlight African talent while bringing global attention to the local boxing scene.
“This is Africa’s moment. We’ve built this card to showcase our own talent, the warriors who have come through the ranks here in Africa. We’ve teamed up once again with Amir Khan to put Nigeria and the continent on the map for the world to see,” he said.
Khan also expressed excitement about the event, noting that boxing fans in Africa bring a unique level of energy and passion to the sport.
“I’ve been in big fights around the globe, but the passion in Africa is something special. These fighters have heart, skill and fire — now they get to show it on the biggest stage. Lagos is going to be electric,” he said.
Professional undercard fights
Beyond the celebrity bout, the fight night will feature a stacked professional card. The main professional contest will see cruiserweights Ezra Arenyeka (15-2, 12 KOs) face Godday Appah (14-2, 13 KOs) in what promoters have dubbed the “Niger Delta Peace Fight.”
Other fights on the card include:
- Elvis Ahorgah vs Joe Laws (super-middleweight)
- Michael McKinson vs Mohammad Sahnoun
- Teenage Nigerian prospect Raheem Animashaun vs Tanzanian veteran Emmanuel Amos
- National middleweight champion Rasheed Adeyemo vs Nicolaus Mdoe
- Basit Adebayo vs Loren Japhet
- Samuel Antwi vs Paul Kamanga (welterweight)
Organisers say the event, sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, aims to combine entertainment and professional competition while spotlighting African boxing talent on a global stage.