ITAUMA TRAINS OKOCHA AS ESEHPO INTENSIFIES PREPARATIONS FOR PORTABLE REMATCH
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Celebrity 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 showdown in Lagos
Okocha shared videos of his training session with the British-Nigerian boxer on social media, hailing Itauma as “the champ” as he gears up for the highly anticipated rematch after losing their first encounter by unanimous decision.
Meanwhile, Portable has also intensified his preparations, continuing to train with WBA Africa lightweight champion Taiwo “Esehpo” Agbaje in Sango Ota as both fighters count down to the bout.
Itauma, who was born in Kezmarok, Slovakia, to a Nigerian father and Slovakian mother before his family relocated to Chatham, Kent, in 2008, holds a perfect professional record of 13 wins with 11 knockouts and currently ranks first in the world at heavyweight with both the WBA and WBO. He is scheduled to face Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at the O2 Arena in London.
Balmoral Group Promotions chief executive officer, Ezekiel Adamu, had earlier confirmed that the rematch was activated at Okocha’s request, following a chaotic press conference at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos, which descended into a physical altercation between the two men.
“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 had issued a fresh threat to his opponent at the press conference, saying, “You that I have beaten before, I will break your bones. Fight is coming.”
Okocha dismissed their first meeting and promised a different outcome, saying, “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.”
Elsewhere on the card, Agbaje is set to face South African fighter Ayabonga Sonjika, having stepped in after other opponents withdrew from the bout. Agbaje, who expressed confidence in his preparations, said he was targeting an early stoppage.
The July 31 fight card will also feature a rematch between street-pop artistes Mr Real (Okafor Victor) and Idowest (Adekunle Idowu), whose long-running social media rivalry spilled over during the event’s press conference.
Also scheduled is a WBO Africa cruiserweight title defence, with champion Godday Appah taking on challenger Lekan “The Engine” Muibi, while Rilwan Lawal will face Yusuf Adeniji in another bout.
Organiser Adamu said the event will be broadcast live on DAZN and selected local television channels, while fans will also be able to watch the action live at the venue.
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