Portable Issues N1 Billion Challenge to Anthony Joshua After N40 Million Carter Efe Payday

Portable threw down a N1 billion challenge to heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua during a press event in Lagos. The statement came ahead of his scheduled celebrity boxing match against streamer Carter Efe at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel. He described himself as the face of Nigerian boxing and said no one could take the “belt” from him.

The singer revealed in February that he had been paid N40 million to accept the fight against Carter Efe. He added that the payment was secured before the bout was announced. Portable said the figure reflects the agreed purse for the exhibition match.

Portable also claimed that businessman E‑Money and music executive Soso Soberekon each promised him N50 million and a car should he win the Carter Efe contest. He said the promises were made privately and are contingent on victory. No independent verification of those pledges has been provided.

The N1 billion figure far exceeds typical purses for celebrity boxing events in Nigeria, which usually range from a few hundred thousand to a few million naira. Portable’s demand highlights the growing commercial appeal of crossover fights involving entertainers and athletes.

If the challenge gains traction, it could prompt discussions about cross‑discipline match‑ups and the valuation of celebrity‑driven bouts. Observers will watch whether Anthony Joshua’s team responds, if any negotiation begins, and whether the Carter Efe fight proceeds as planned on Friday.

What to watch next: any official reply from Anthony Joshua’s camp, potential purse negotiations, and the outcome of the Carter Efe exhibition match which may influence Portable’s leverage in future talks.