Celebrity Showdown Heats Up: Soso Soberekon Pledges ₦20 Million for Winner of Potential Portable-Speed Darlington Rematch

 

The drama surrounding the recent celebrity boxing match between Nigerian entertainers Speed Darlington and Portable has taken a fresh turn, with prominent talent manager Soso Soberekon throwing his weight—and wallet—behind a potential rematch.

Following Portable’s decisive victory over Speed Darlington, the aftermath has been anything but quiet. The eccentric and outspoken Speed Darlington took to social media to cry foul, alleging that Portable didn’t win fair and square, and even went as far as accusing him of using “juju” to sway the outcome of the bout. Darlington, never one to shy away from controversy, immediately began calling for a rematch via his Instagram page, igniting a flurry of responses from fans and fellow celebrities alike.

What started as banter soon escalated into something with far more at stake, as Soso Soberekon, one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in the entertainment management scene, entered the ring—figuratively speaking. In the comments section of Darlington’s Instagram post, Soberekon made a bold offer: a ₦20 million cash prize for the winner of a potential rematch.

“Rematch 20m for the winner. @speeddarlintv you have my number or tell the promoters to reach out to me,” Soberekon wrote, signaling a clear interest in helping facilitate the much-discussed fight and injecting it with a significant financial incentive.

The promise of ₦20 million has sent shockwaves across social media, with fans eagerly speculating whether such a rematch will come to fruition. While some believe Speed Darlington might actually stand a better chance with proper training and motivation, others are less optimistic, citing Portable’s seemingly effortless victory in the first bout.

Portable, known for his unpredictable antics and viral music hits, isn’t as enthusiastic about stepping back into the ring with his previous opponent. He has made it clear that a second face-off isn’t currently on his agenda. In a recent statement, Portable revealed that he had already received a hefty ₦20 million from none other than Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy as a reward for his original win. With that backing and endorsement, he’s seemingly uninterested in revisiting the same rivalry, instead expressing interest in fighting a new celebrity challenger—someone he feels would present a fresher and perhaps more lucrative narrative.

This new development leaves fans torn between excitement and uncertainty. The thought of another chaotic showdown between two of Nigeria’s most flamboyant entertainers is tantalizing. Yet, without Portable’s commitment, it remains an open question whether the rematch will move from online banter to an actual ring event.

Soso Soberekon’s involvement, however, may change the tide. Known for his industry influence and deep pockets, Soberekon’s offer is more than a publicity stunt. It reflects a growing trend in the Nigerian entertainment industry—where celebrity feuds are not only aired out online but now monetized and turned into full-blown spectacles with real-life implications. It’s a space where music, drama, and sports entertainment intersect, often blurring the lines between rivalry and reality TV.

Some industry insiders suggest that with the right promotion and coordination, this rematch could attract major sponsors, perhaps even rival the scale of earlier celebrity fights staged in the U.S. and UK. Others warn that without serious regulation and structure, it could veer into unsafe territory, given the unpredictable nature of both Portable and Darlington.

What’s undeniable is that the audience is hungry for more. Social media is buzzing with memes, polls, and fantasy matchups, with many calling on other celebrities to step into the ring as well. Some have even joked that the boxing ring might be the only way to resolve Nigeria's ongoing celebrity beefs.

For now, all eyes are on Portable. Will the Zeh Nation boss accept the challenge, knowing there’s another ₦20 million on the line? Or will he stand firm on his decision to move on, leaving Speed Darlington and fans hanging?

Soso Soberekon’s challenge has certainly added fuel to the fire. Whether it results in a rematch or not, the mere possibility of a second brawl between these two entertainment wildcards has already captivated the public imagination. If nothing else, it proves once again that in Nigerian pop culture, the drama never ends—it just changes arenas.