From Social Media Feuds to the Ring: Celebrity Boxing Trend Divides Nigerian Entertainment Industry

Celebrity boxing is rapidly becoming one of the latest trends in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with musicians, actors and social media personalities turning personal rivalries into public sporting spectacles.

The movement gained more attention after street singer Portable and skit maker Carter Efe transformed their online feud into a boxing contest, while Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Lizzy Anjorin now appear set for a similar clash.

Reports also suggest that actress Eniola Badmus may have challenged Funke Akindele to a boxing bout.

The rivalry between Ojo and Anjorin has lasted for years, involving social media confrontations, police petitions and court battles. Their supporters are now anticipating a physical showdown after recent developments surrounding the proposed fight.

Anjorin, in an Instagram post, accepted the challenge but demanded that Ojo’s partner, Paul Okoye, first fight her husband, Chief Lawal, in a 10-round contest.

“As of today, May 3, 2026, I accept your challenge,” she stated.

“You and Chief Lawal will fight 10 rounds non-stop in the ring. Then the next day, it will be Iyabo Ojo and me in the ring.”

She also intensified the feud by challenging Ojo and Paul to provide public proof of their assets and achievements.

“You can’t keep talking about status or claiming fake riches,” she wrote.

“The last time I checked, you and Iyabo Ojo are still tenants, while Chief Lawal owns estates and mansions.”

Anjorin added:

“Let this serve as a lesson: never disrespect or look down on anybody. Just because we don’t show off doesn’t mean your 1943 Bentley can buy even a plot of land from our estate.”

The celebrity boxing proposal reportedly originated in 2024 when Okoye suggested a fight between the actresses with a ₦10 million cash prize for the winner.

At the time, Ojo reacted by posting a workout video online while speaking aggressively, with Anjorin’s video clip displayed in the background.

Their feud escalated further in 2025 after Ojo filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against Anjorin. Although the case was eventually dismissed on procedural grounds, Ojo has reportedly vowed to continue legal action.

The growing popularity of celebrity boxing has also introduced a new revenue stream for entertainers, with fans increasingly drawn to the spectacle. Portable’s loss to Carter Efe reportedly boosted public fascination with the trend.

There is now speculation that twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye of P-Square could eventually settle their differences inside the boxing ring.

Commenting on the trend, filmmaker Alex Eyengho described celebrity boxing as part of the broader entertainment business.

“If you look at it from the perspective that sports including boxing, football or wrestling are all part of the entertainment industry and showbusiness, I don’t see anything wrong with the development,” he said.

“It’s all about entertaining the audience while everyone in the value chain makes money.”

But filmmaker Fidelis Duker disagreed, arguing that the trend trivialises both entertainment and professional boxing.

“I think boxing is a serious sport, and I can only imagine how professional boxers feel seeing their craft being undermined by entertainers,” Duker said.

“Let’s be honest, is this entertainment, or just a way to settle personal beef and grievances?”

As more celebrities embrace the ring, the debate continues over whether celebrity boxing is a creative evolution in entertainment or simply an unnecessary distraction.

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