A Canada-based Nigerian physician, Dr Arinze Onwumelu, has called on singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, to undergo a medical brain examination after his loss in a celebrity boxing contest held in Lagos over the weekend.
Portable was defeated by skit maker Carter Efe in the much-talked-about fight, which generated widespread reactions across social media and among entertainment followers, while also igniting concerns over the safety of such exhibition bouts.
Speaking in reaction to a viral video from the match, Onwumelu, popularly referred to as Dr Zo, advised that the singer should undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan to determine whether he suffered any internal head trauma.
According to him, “The purpose of an exhibition fight is entertainment, not to cause harm. Judging by the punches I saw in the video, Portable may need urgent medical evaluation.”
He warned that repeated blows to the head could trigger serious health risks, including subdural hematoma, a dangerous condition that affects the brain.
The doctor urged those around the singer to prioritise his health by ensuring he receives prompt medical attention, emphasising that such checks should not be postponed after intense physical encounters.
He also appealed to organisers of celebrity boxing events to improve safety standards by making protective headgear compulsory, noting that such measures would help reduce the chances of severe injuries.
Before the bout, Portable had expressed confidence in his readiness, referencing previous exhibition victories over rapper Speed Darlington and actor Charles Okocha.
However, his defeat in the Lagos fight has since stirred fresh debates online regarding the safety measures in place for celebrity boxing events.
