- Nigerian Boxing Federation Interim President Azania Omo-Agege has urged singers Portable and Speed Darlington to prioritize their safety before their April 18 match.
- Omo-Agege praised Portable for his celebrity influence in boxing and acknowledged his significant contributions to the sport since his first fight against Charles Okocha.
Azania Omo-Agege, the Interim President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, has issued a strong message to singers Portable and Speed Darlington as they prepare for their highly anticipated match on April 18.
Omo-Agege acknowledged Portable’s significant role in promoting boxing by leveraging his celebrity influence, particularly after his debut fight against Charles Okocha. He commended the entertainer’s efforts in raising awareness for the sport but emphasized the importance of understanding that boxing is much more demanding and requires careful preparation for safety.
“I want to thank Portable for using his platform to promote boxing,” Omo-Agege stated. “It’s essential for both fighters to approach this match with the right mindset and preparation to ensure their safety.”
The boxing chief expressed concern about the limited time available for proper training, given that the match, titled “Chaos in the Ring: Battle for Glory,” is scheduled for the Balmoral Convention Center on Victoria Island, Lagos. Omo-Agege urged the fighters’ promoters to ensure that both Portable and Speed Darlington undergo proper training to avoid health risks.
“Two weeks may not be sufficient for them to prepare adequately, especially considering their current fitness levels,” Omo-Agege noted. “As entertainers, their lifestyles might differ from professional athletes, and they must be in good health for this match.”
Omo-Agege also stressed the importance of protective gear, including headgear and mouthguards, and emphasized the need for medical professionals to be present at the event. This caution comes after the tragic death of former Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun ‘Success,’ who suffered a cardiac arrest during a fight in Ghana.
“I advise the promoters to ensure that Portable and Speed Darlington wear headgear this time,” Omo-Agege urged. “In their previous match, they fought without adequate protection, which was not ideal. It’s imperative to prioritize their safety with proper gear.”
The rivalry between Portable and Speed Darlington has intensified in the run-up to the event, particularly after Speed Darlington’s ₦500,000 offer for Portable to perform at his event was viewed as an insult.
Portable, on the other hand, has been actively training in a makeshift outdoor ring and remains focused on the fight. His previous victory over Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in a celebrity boxing match last December has further fueled anticipation for this upcoming bout.
