Controversial Nigerian artist Speed Darlington has blamed tribalism for his recent loss to singer Portable in their much-hyped celebrity boxing match held on April 18, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos.
The match was the climax of a heated public feud between the two entertainers that started when Speed Darlington invited Portable to perform at his upcoming concert, offering him ₦500,000. Portable turned down the offer, mocking the fee and describing Speed Darlington as broke. He claimed his performance fee is ₦20 million and went further to say he doesn’t associate with “poor people.”
The online spat intensified, with Speed Darlington expressing regret over the invitation and accusing Portable of going as far as insulting his mother.
As tensions escalated, the two artists agreed to face off in a boxing ring to settle their differences once and for all. Portable, who had previously defeated actor Charles Okocha in a similar celebrity match, was confident he would come out on top—and he did.
However, following the defeat, Speed Darlington cried foul, accusing the organizers and judges of bias. He claimed tribalism played a major role in determining the match’s outcome and suggested that the decision was not based on merit but on ethnic favoritism.
The claim has sparked debate online, with fans and commentators split. Some sided with Speed Darlington, alleging that tribal bias is a recurring issue in Nigerian entertainment and sports. Others dismissed the accusation, saying the result was fair and that Speed Darlington simply lost the fight.
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is clear: the Speed Darlington vs. Portable saga has stirred nationwide attention—not just for the drama, but for the uncomfortable spotlight it shines on ethnic divisions in Nigeria.
