A Canada-based Nigerian physician, Arinze Onwumelu, has advised controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, to undergo a medical examination following his recent boxing loss.
Portable was defeated by skit maker Carter Efe in a celebrity exhibition match held in Lagos, an event that generated widespread reactions across social media.
Reacting to the bout, Onwumelu, also known as Dr Zo, recommended that the singer undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan to rule out possible head injuries sustained during the fight.
According to him, the intensity of punches exchanged during the match raised concerns about potential internal damage.
“This was meant to be an exhibition for entertainment, not to cause harm. From what I observed, the level of impact suggests he may require urgent medical evaluation,” he said.
The doctor warned that repeated blows to the head could result in serious complications, including subdural hematoma, a condition he described as potentially life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed.
He urged those close to the singer to ensure immediate medical checks, stressing that delays in assessing head injuries could have grave consequences.
Onwumelu also called on organisers of celebrity boxing events to strengthen safety protocols, including the use of protective headgear, to minimise risks to participants.
The bout, which ended in defeat for Portable, has since sparked renewed debate over safety standards in celebrity boxing, with many questioning the level of protection afforded participants in such entertainment-driven contests.
