Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe

Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe

A Nigerian doctor based in Canada, Arinze Onwumelu, has advised singer Portable to undergo an urgent brain scan (MRI) following his celebrity boxing match with skit maker Carter Efe, warning that the musician may have suffered hidden head injuries during the bout.

The fight, held in Lagos over the weekend, ended in Portable’s defeat and quickly went viral, generating widespread reactions across social media platforms and sparking renewed debate about the safety of celebrity boxing events in Nigeria.

In a post shared on X, Dr. Onwumelu—also known as Dr. Zo—said Portable should immediately undergo an MRI brain scan to rule out possible internal injuries sustained during the match.

He explained that repeated punches to sensitive areas of the head could place the singer at risk of a subdural hematoma, a serious condition involving bleeding around the brain that can occur after head trauma.

According to him, exhibition boxing matches are intended for entertainment and should not involve excessive force capable of causing long-term health complications.

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“This is an exhibition match meant for entertainment, not a real fight to harm anyone,” he said, questioning whether the level of aggression displayed in the fight was properly controlled or communicated to participants.

The doctor further recommended that Portable undergo a full neurological evaluation, including brain imaging, to ensure there are no complications such as internal bleeding or vascular damage.

He also called on organisers of celebrity boxing events to make protective headgear compulsory in future bouts to reduce the risk of serious injury and improve athlete safety.

The warning has intensified online discussions about the rising popularity of celebrity boxing in Nigeria, with many social media users questioning the safety standards and medical oversight of such events.

Portable, who has previously participated in similar celebrity fights, including bouts against actor Charles Okocha and rapper Speed Darlington, had earlier expressed confidence ahead of the match, insisting he was medically fit and prepared to win.

However, the latest medical concern has shifted attention from entertainment value to health risks associated with celebrity combat sports, especially as such events continue to attract large audiences and online engagement.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Portable nor Carter Efe has publicly responded to the doctor’s recommendation.

Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe