Celebrity actor and boxer, Charles Okocha, has stepped up preparations for his July 31 rematch against street-pop singer Habeeb “Portable” Badmus by training with WBO Intercontinental heavyweight champion Moses Itauma ahead of the Chaos in the Ring 4 event in Lagos.
Okocha posted clips of his workout session with Itauma on social media, referring to the British-Nigerian heavyweight as “the champ” as he gears up for another showdown with Portable, who claimed a unanimous decision victory in their first encounter.
Meanwhile, Portable has continued his own preparations in Sango Ota under the guidance of WBA Africa lightweight champion Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje.
Born in Kezmarok, Slovakia, to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother before relocating with his family to Chatham, Kent, in 2008, Itauma boasts an unbeaten professional record of 13 victories, including 11 knockouts.
He is currently the top-ranked heavyweight contender with both the WBA and WBO and is scheduled to face Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena.
Balmoral Group Promotions Chief Executive Officer, Ezekiel Adamu, previously disclosed that the rematch was triggered after Okocha exercised the rematch clause following the pair’s first fight.
The announcement came after a heated press conference at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where both men exchanged blows.
“They fought before. Charles wants a rematch. He activated a rematch clause. So, we expected that, and we will make it happen,” Adamu said.
Portable used the press conference to renew his warning to Okocha, declaring, “You that I have beaten before, I will break your bones. Fight is coming.”
Okocha, however, brushed aside the outcome of their first clash and insisted the rematch would tell a different story.
“Let me tell you something, I will kill you in the ring. I am fearless.
“We will see who the man is on the 31st of July. Everyone knows the first one was not a real fight, but this time it is the real deal.”
The July 31 fight card will also feature Agbaje taking on South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika after several proposed opponents pulled out of the contest. Agbaje has expressed confidence in his readiness and is aiming to secure an early knockout.
Fans will also witness a rematch between street-pop artistes Mr Real (Okafor Victor) and Idowest (Adekunle Idowu), whose online rivalry spilled over into the press conference.
The event will further include Godday Appah defending his WBO Africa cruiserweight title against Lekan “The Engine” Muibi, while Rilwan Lawal faces Yusuf Adeniji.
Adamu confirmed that the event will be broadcast live on DAZN and selected local television channels, while fans can also watch the action live at the venue.
