Reality television star Phyna and skit maker Carter Efe emerged victorious in their respective celebrity boxing bouts at Balmoral Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring event held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 1, 2026.
Phyna, whose real name is Josephina Otabor, made history by defeating actress Nkechi Blessing by knockout in their scheduled four-round contest, becoming the winner of what was described as Nigeria’s first female celebrity boxing bout.
Phyna controlled the contest before stopping Nkechi Blessing inside the ring.
Speaking after the victory, the former Big Brother Naija winner immediately named Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia as a potential next opponent, alleging that Etinosa had been disturbing her through direct messages.
“I came in, and I kept my cool and did the thing. Now I would like to fight Etinosa. I think it is time I teach her a lesson,” Phyna said.
Etinosa, who watched the fight from ringside, accepted the challenge.
“I have been advising you to carry the Edo name with pride. We do not run from any fight. I accept the challenge fully,” she said.
Phyna also received ₦50 million as the winner of the bout and indicated that she could pursue professional boxing, suggesting that her victory could mark the beginning of a longer involvement in the sport.
In the second celebrity contest of the night, Carter Efe defeated musician Speed Darlington by technical knockout.
Carter Efe dominated the four-round contest before the referee stopped the fight after Speed Darlington stopped moving.
The victory extended Carter Efe’s unbeaten record in the Chaos in the Ring celebrity boxing series.
He had previously defeated singer Habeeb “Portable” Badmus at another celebrity boxing event on May 1, 2026, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
Carter Efe won that three-round contest by unanimous decision after all three judges scored the fight 30-27 in his favour.
The rivalry between Carter Efe and Speed Darlington had intensified during the build-up to their October encounter, with both entertainers exchanging confrontational remarks before settling the dispute inside the ring.
The night’s main event featured a professional championship contest between Nigerian boxer Godday “Zodsolo” Appahand Ghanaian Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah.
Appah lost his WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship after Gyimah secured a unanimous-decision victory to claim the title.
The event brought together celebrity entertainers and professional boxers for a card featuring crossover bouts, championship boxing and high-profile rivalries.
Chaos in the Ring was broadcast live on SuperSport and DAZN, with the event powered by Bet9ja.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
