Okocha trains with Itauma as Portable prepares for rematch

Celebrity boxer, Charles Okocha, is getting ready for his rematch against street artiste, Habeeb “Portable” Badmus. The fight is set for July 31 in Lagos. Okocha is training with WBO Intercontinental heavyweight champion, Moses Itauma, ahead of the Chaos in the Ring 4 event.

Okocha shared videos from his training with Itauma on social media. He calls the British-Nigerian fighter “the champ.” Okocha is preparing for this rematch after Portable beat him in their first meeting. Portable is still training with WBA Africa lightweight champion Taiwo “Esehpo” Agbaje in Sango Ota.

Itauma was born in Kezmarok, Slovakia, to a Nigerian father and a Slovakian mother. His family moved to Chatham, Kent, in 2008. Itauma has an impressive record of 13 wins, including 11 knockouts. He is currently ranked first in the world at heavyweight by both the WBA and WBO. Itauma is set to fight Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at the O2 Arena in London.

Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, confirmed that the rematch was requested by Okocha. This came after a chaotic press conference at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos. The event turned physical between the two fighters.

Adamu said, “They fought before. Charles wants a rematch. He activated a rematch clause. So, we expected that, and we will make it happen.”

At the press conference, Portable threatened Okocha, saying, “You that I have beaten before, I will break your bones. Fight is coming.” Okocha dismissed the previous fight and promised a better performance this time. He said, “Let me tell you something, I will kill you in the ring. I am fearless.”

Okocha added, “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.”

In other fights on the card, Agbaje will face South African fighter Ayabonga Sonjika. Agbaje stepped in after other opponents withdrew. He is confident and aims for an early stoppage.

Also scheduled for July 31 are a rematch between street-pop artistes, Mr Real (Okafor Victor) and Idowest (Adekunle Idowu). Their long-running feud also showed up at the press conference. There will be a WBO Africa cruiserweight title defence by champion Godday Appah against challenger Lekan “The Engine” Muibi. Additionally, Rilwan Lawal will fight Yusuf Adeniji.

Adamu mentioned that the event would be shown on DAZN and local channels. It will also be available for fans at the venue.