Boxing Federation Warns Portable, Speed Darlington Ahead Of Celebrity Bout

The interim leader of the Nigerian boxing governing body has issued a strong advisory to the celebrity boxers, Portable and Speed Darlington, emphasizing the critical need for them to prioritize their well-being as they gear up for their scheduled boxing match on April 18th.

The boxing official acknowledged Portable’s positive impact on raising the profile of boxing through his celebrity status, recognizing his contribution to the sport since his initial foray into the ring against Charles Okocha.

However, he underscored that the discipline of boxing demands a higher level of preparation and safety precautions compared to street altercations. He specifically stated, “I want to thank Portable for using his platform to promote boxing,” and stressed that “It’s essential for both fighters to approach this match with the right mindset and preparation to ensure their safety.”

Concerns were raised by the boxing governing body representative regarding the limited timeframe for preparation leading up to the event, titled “Chaos in the Ring: Battle for Glory.”

The celebrity boxing match is slated to take place at the Balmoral Convention Center in Lagos.

He recommended that the organizers of the bout strongly encourage both celebrity fighters to engage in comprehensive training regimens. He suggested that “Two weeks may not be sufficient for them to prepare adequately, especially considering their current fitness levels,” and pointed out that “As entertainers, their lifestyles might differ from professional athletes, and they must be in good health for this match.”

The necessity of using appropriate protective equipment, such as headgear and mouthguards, was highlighted, along with the vital presence of medical professionals at the event. This caution is particularly salient given the recent tragic passing of a former Nigerian boxer, Olanrewaju Segun ‘Success’, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a match in Ghana. The boxing official specifically urged, “I advise the promoters to ensure that Portable and Speed Darlington wear headgear this time,” noting that “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 reportedly escalated after Speed Darlington’s offer of ₦500,000 for Portable to perform at an event was interpreted as a slight. In the meantime, Portable has reportedly been actively training in preparation for the fight, utilizing a makeshift outdoor boxing ring. It is worth noting that Portable previously secured a win against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in a celebrity boxing match held last December, despite subsequent calls for a rematch from Okocha.
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