Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has announced that she is returning to making movies after her celebrity boxing debut ended in defeat. She lost to reality TV star Phyna in the fourth round of their boxing bout at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos on October 1. The match was part of Nigeria's Independence Day celebrations and marked the first female celebrity boxing bout under the Chaos in the Ring series.
The contest was a significant departure from Blessing's familiar territory in Nollywood. Despite training for only two days, she described taking part in the fight as a courageous experience. In a post on Instagram, she wrote that those who watched the contest knew who she believed had won. Blessing made it clear that boxing was not about to become her new profession, stating "Now let's go back to making movies cus I no be boxer."
Phyna, whose real name is Josephina Otabor, stopped Blessing in the scheduled four-round contest to claim victory and a ₦50 million prize. The fight followed weeks of tension between the two entertainers, with their rivalry spilling into a heated press conference ahead of the event. The confrontation added to the anticipation surrounding what was billed as one of the headline celebrity bouts on the Independence Day card.
Blessing dedicated the experience to her late mother, Gloria Obasi Sunday. She wanted her mother to be present in some way and requested that her favourite song be played before she entered the ring. Despite the defeat, Blessing said she would still consider another boxing appearance, responding "OH YES" when asked if she would do it again.
Phyna knocked Blessing to the canvas in the fourth round to secure the victory. After the bout, she challenged actress Etinosa Idemudia to another celebrity boxing contest, with Etinosa later accepting the challenge. Phyna was presented with a car and a ceremonial cheque for ₦50 million following her victory.
The event was part of Balmoral Promotions' Chaos in the Ring series, which aims to promote celebrity boxing in Nigeria. The contest marked a milestone in the series, with the first female celebrity boxing bout. The event was attended by several notable figures in the entertainment industry, who witnessed Phyna's historic victory.
While Phyna celebrated a landmark victory, Blessing appears ready to put the gloves aside, at least for now, and return to the profession that established her career: making movies. The actress has not announced her next movie project, but fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the screen.
Key points
- Nkechi Blessing lost to Phyna in a celebrity boxing match on October 1.
- Blessing plans to return to making movies after her defeat.
- Phyna won a ₦50 million prize for her victory in the boxing match.
