Reality TV star Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has marked the anniversary of her Big Brother Naija victory with a historic knockout win in a celebrity boxing bout. Phyna defeated actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday in the fourth round of their scheduled four-round contest at Balmoral Promotions' Chaos in the Ring event, held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. The victory came in Nigeria's first female celebrity boxing bout, with Phyna stopping Nkechi in the final round.
The boxing event was part of the Independence Day celebrations and featured other celebrity fights involving Carter Efe and Speed Darlington, as well as a professional contest between Nigerian boxer Godday "Zodsolo" Appah and Ghanaian-born British boxer Seth "Freezy Macbones" Gyimah. Phyna and Nkechi had generated attention before stepping into the ring following their heated confrontation at the Chaos in the Ring press conference. Phyna received a car and a ceremonial ₦50 million cheque after being declared the winner.
Phyna's victory also came on a significant date, as she was announced as the winner of the seventh season of Big Brother Naija on October 2, 2022. She emerged ahead of finalists Bryann, Bella, Adekunle, Chichi, and Daniella, earning the show's ₦100 million grand prize and becoming the second woman to win the reality television competition. Phyna reflected on the coincidence, stating that October 2 would "forever be a special date" in her life.
Phyna dedicated her victory to women who had been told they could not achieve certain things, stating that "this one is for every woman who has ever been told she couldn’t. We can. We will. And we absolutely should." She also thanked Balmoral Promotions and Bet9ja for the opportunity, describing October 2 as a date of "victory, courage and new beginnings".
Following her victory, Phyna challenged actress Etinosa Idemudia, who was watching from ringside, to another celebrity boxing contest. Etinosa accepted the challenge after joining Phyna in the ring. Phyna's latest achievement adds another chapter to her career, which has remained in the entertainment spotlight since her 2022 BBNaija victory.
Phyna's BBNaija Season 7 victory established her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and her latest achievement in the boxing ring further solidifies her position. The reality star has shown her willingness to challenge herself and break barriers, proving that there is more to her than what people see.
Phyna's historic boxing victory has made headlines, and her determination to empower women has resonated with many. As she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, Phyna's fans and admirers look forward to her next project.
Key points
- Phyna marked the anniversary of her Big Brother Naija victory with a historic knockout win in Nigeria's first female celebrity boxing bout.
- The victory earned Phyna a car and a ceremonial ₦50 million cheque.
- Phyna dedicated her victory to women who had been told they could not achieve certain things.
