Reality television star Josephina “Phyna” Otabor made history on Wednesday, October 1, 2026, after knocking out actress Nkechi Blessing in Nigeria’s first female celebrity boxing bout. The event, titled Balmoral Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring, took place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, in Lagos. Phyna stopped Nkechi Blessing in their scheduled four-round contest to claim victory and a ₦50 million prize. This significant win marks a milestone in Phyna's career and the growth of celebrity boxing in Nigeria.
Phyna, a former Big Brother Naija winner, wasted little time calling for another celebrity showdown. She challenged Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia, who was present at the event, to a fight. Etinosa accepted the challenge, stating that she would like Phyna to carry the Edo name with pride and that they do not run from any fight. This exchange has generated significant interest among fans and followers of both actresses.
Phyna's victory could potentially mark the beginning of a professional boxing career. The reality television star expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the fight, stating that she kept her cool and performed well. Phyna's win was one of several notable outcomes at the Chaos in the Ring event, which combined celebrity clashes with professional boxing.
In another celebrity bout, skit maker Carter Efe maintained his unbeaten record in the Chaos in the Ring series. Efe defeated musician Speed Darlington by technical knockout in a four-round contest. The victory came five months after Efe defeated singer Habeeb “Portable” Badmus by unanimous decision at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, on May 1.
The rivalry between Efe and Speed Darlington had escalated in the build-up to Wednesday’s fight, with both entertainers trading hostile remarks before settling their differences in the ring. The event attracted entertainers and fighters for a night of high-profile contests, showcasing the growing popularity of celebrity boxing in Nigeria.
The night’s biggest upset came in the main event, where Ghanaian Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah dethroned Nigerian champion Godday “Zodsolo” Appah by unanimous decision. Gyimah claimed the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship after judges awarded him the decision over Appah. This unexpected outcome has significant implications for the boxing scene in Africa.
The Chaos in the Ring event was broadcast live on SuperSport and DAZN and powered by Bet9ja. The combination of celebrity clashes and professional boxing made for an exciting night of entertainment, with Phyna's historic win being a highlight of the evening.
Key points
- Phyna makes history as the first female celebrity boxer in Nigeria.
- Carter Efe maintains his unbeaten record in the Chaos in the Ring series.
- Ghanaian Seth Gyimah dethrones Nigerian champion Godday Appah to claim the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.
