From BBNaija Winner to Boxing Victor: Phyna Marks Four-Year Milestone
Big Brother Naija winner Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has marked the fourth anniversary of her reality television victory after recording another major milestone in the boxing ring. Phyna won the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, Level Up, on October 2, 2022. Four years later, she celebrated the same date by defeating Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing by knockout in what was described as Nigeria’s first celebrity boxing bout. The historic fight took place during Balmoral Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring event at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday. Reflecting on the two milestones, Phyna said October 2 would remain a special date in her life, noting that the anniversary of her BBNaija victory now coincided with her becoming the first female boxer to step into the ring at the event and win her fight. She said her move from reality television into boxing reflected her willingness to challenge herself, break barriers and show that there was more to her than her identity as a reality star.
The Chaos in the Ring Celebrity Championship belt, as shared by Phyna. Photo credit: Phyna.
Phyna received ₦50 million for winning the bout and said she intends to pursue professional boxing, indicating that the victory could be the beginning of a longer career in the sport. She also thanked Balmoral Promotions and Bet9ja for giving her the opportunity, describing October 2 as a date of victory, courage and new beginnings. Following her win, Phyna named Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia as a potential next opponent, saying Etinosa had repeatedly contacted her through direct messages. “I came in, and I kept my cool and did the thing. Now I would like to fight Etinosa,” Phyna said after the bout. Etinosa, who watched the fight from ringside, accepted the challenge, saying she had encouraged Phyna to carry the Edo name with pride and that they did not run from any fight. The event also saw skit maker Carter Efe defeat musician Speed Darlington by technical knockout in their four-round celebrity bout, while Ghanaian boxer Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah defeated Nigerian champion Godday “Zodsolo” Appah by unanimous decision to win the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.
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