Big Brother Naija winner Phyna celebrated the fourth anniversary of her reality TV victory on October 2, 2022, with a historic win in Nigeria's first female celebrity boxing bout. Phyna, whose real name is Ijeoma Otabor, defeated Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing by knockout during Balmoral Promotions' Chaos in the Ring event at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. This milestone marks another achievement in Phyna's journey from reality television to professional boxing.
Phyna's victory is a testament to her determination to challenge herself and break barriers. In a post shared on social media, Phyna reflected on her journey, stating that she has always been willing to push beyond her limits and prove her capabilities. Her win in the boxing bout is a significant achievement, not only for her but also for women who have been told they cannot accomplish certain feats.
The event, which took place on Thursday, featured several high-profile matches, including a celebrity bout between skit maker Carter Efe and musician Speed Darlington. Carter Efe emerged victorious, defeating Speed Darlington by technical knockout in their four-round match. Additionally, Ghana's Seth "Freezy Macbones" Gyimah won the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship by defeating Nigerian champion Godday "Zodsolo" Appah by unanimous decision.
Phyna's win in the historic boxing bout earned her ₦50m, and she has expressed interest in pursuing a professional boxing career. Her next potential opponent could be Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia, whom she accused of sending her disturbing messages. Etinosa, who watched the fight from ringside, accepted the challenge, stating that she is ready to teach Phyna a lesson.
Phyna's transition from reality television to professional boxing has been a remarkable journey. She won the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, Level Up, on October 2, 2022, and has since become a trailblazer in the Nigerian boxing scene. Her victory has inspired many, and she has become a role model for women who aspire to break into the male-dominated sport.
The Chaos in the Ring event was a significant milestone in Nigerian sports, showcasing the country's rich talent in boxing and entertainment. The event featured a mix of professional and celebrity matches, highlighting the growing popularity of boxing in Nigeria. Phyna's victory was a major highlight of the event, and her achievement will undoubtedly inspire more women to take up the sport.
Phyna's plans for her future in boxing are already underway, with her next potential opponent being Etinosa Idemudia. As she continues to pursue her passion for boxing, Phyna has thanked Balmoral Promotions and Bet9ja for the opportunity, describing October 2 as "a date of victory, courage and new beginnings." Her journey in professional boxing is expected to continue to inspire and thrill fans in the coming months.
Key points
- Phyna becomes the first female boxer to win a celebrity boxing bout in Nigeria.
- Phyna earns ₦50m for her historic boxing victory.
- Phyna challenges Etinosa Idemudia to a boxing match, which Etinosa has accepted.
