Street-hop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has apologised to fans, organisers, and supporters after abruptly walking away from his highly publicised celebrity boxing rematch against actor Charles Okocha.

The rematch, which took place on Friday, July 31, 2026, ended in dramatic fashion when Portable declined to continue after the opening round, handing victory to Okocha and leaving spectators disappointed.

Hours after the contest, Portable's management, Zeh Nation/Dr Zeh, released an official statement expressing regret over the incident and apologising to everyone affected.

"We sincerely apologise to the organisers, Balmoral Group, the entire event team, our fans, friends, family, and everyone who came out to support Portable at tonight's celebrity boxing event," the statement read.

The management acknowledged the frustration caused by Portable's decision to quit the fight but appealed to the public to respect his perspective.

"We understand the disappointment caused by the outcome of the fight and by Portable's decision to step away after the first round. While emotions can run high in moments like these, we respectfully ask everyone to respect his decision and perspective."

The much-anticipated rematch had generated significant excitement among fans, given the long-running rivalry between the entertainer and the Nollywood actor. However, the bout ended on an anticlimactic note when Portable refused to continue after the opening round.

The outcome has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with fans debating the singer's decision and questioning whether the rematch lived up to expectations.

Opinion: An Apology Is a Good First Step, But Fans Deserved a Better Ending

Portable's apology is a positive gesture, but it may not completely ease the disappointment felt by fans who paid to witness a full contest. Celebrity boxing thrives on entertainment, preparation, and delivering on the expectations created before fight night. When a headline event ends prematurely, it naturally leaves many spectators feeling short-changed.

At the same time, every participant has the right to make decisions about their own wellbeing if they believe they cannot continue safely. While fans may disagree with Portable's choice, it is important to avoid speculation about his reasons without clear evidence.

Moving forward, rebuilding trust will depend more on actions than words. Whether in music, boxing, or any other public appearance, audiences appreciate professionalism and commitment. If Portable chooses to compete again, delivering a complete performance would likely do more to restore confidence than any public statement alone.