Nigerian content creator and streamer Carter Efe has retained his celebrity boxing title with a technical knockout victory over rapper Speed Darlington in Lagos. The fight took place at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, on Thursday, as part of Balmoral Promotions' "Chaos in the Ring" Independence Edition, held to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary. Efe controlled much of the contest before the referee intervened when Darlington stopped moving, awarding the victory to Efe by technical knockout.
Efe's victory extended his unbeaten run in Balmoral Promotions' Chaos in the Ring celebrity boxing series. This was Efe's second consecutive win, following his unanimous decision victory over singer Habeeb "Portable" Badmus in May. After that victory, businessman Emeka "E-Money" Okonkwo had pledged a ₦50 million reward. Efe credited his partner, Taylor Jasmine, with motivating him to secure the victory, while admitting that the contest was more difficult than it may have appeared.
Efe expressed his desire to move beyond domestic celebrity contests, naming American boxer and YouTuber DDG and former world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. as potential opponents. "I want an international opponent. I am tired of Akpi Speed Darlington and Portable. I want to fight with DDG. They are boxers. I want to fight with Mayweather," he said. DDG has also competed in celebrity boxing, making his debut in June 2021, while Mayweather retired with an unbeaten professional record of 50 victories.
Mayweather is one of boxing's most decorated former world champions, with 27 knockouts and world titles across five weight divisions. He also claimed a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. After his professional retirement, Mayweather regularly participated in unsanctioned exhibition matches around the globe against various internet personalities and combat athletes. Efe now appears willing to step into the ring with the boxing legend.
Efe said he would not return to the ring until after his planned wedding to Jasmine, who resides in Georgia, United States. "When I get married to Taylor Jasmine, that's when I'll fight my next fight," he said. He also expressed interest in a celebrity boxing contest between entertainers Shank Comics and Kiekie, saying he would support efforts to make the bout happen.
The rivalry between Efe and Darlington intensified in the weeks leading to their October meeting, following a public challenge from Darlington after Efe's victory over Portable. The pair exchanged threats during promotional appearances, with their face-off at a press conference in September degenerating into a confrontation that required security intervention. Thursday's victory brought their public feud to a conclusion inside the ring.
The event also featured a female celebrity boxing contest between former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna and actress Nkechi Blessing, with Phyna winning by knockout in the final round. In the professional main event, Ghanaian boxer Seth "Freezy Macbones" Gyimah defeated Nigerian Godday "Zodsolo" Appah by unanimous decision to claim the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.
Key points
- Carter Efe aims to fight international opponents, naming DDG and Floyd Mayweather Jr. as potential opponents.
- Efe retained his celebrity boxing title with a technical knockout victory over Speed Darlington.
- Efe plans to return to the ring after his wedding to Taylor Jasmine.
