Tiwa Savage accepts Teni’s N1.5bn boxing challenge

By Adebola Muili

Afrobeats singer, Tiwa Savage, has accepted a playful boxing challenge from fellow artiste, Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, after the latter proposed a bout between them with a potential N1.5 billion purse.

Teni issued the challenge in a video posted on her Instagram page on Friday, October 2, while speaking about the earnings of Nigerian entertainers and the expensive cars owned by some artistes.

In the video, Teni called on Savage to fight her, joking that she would defeat the “Somebody’s Son” singer before singing “My Darling” for her after the bout.

She also suggested that a fight between them could attract N1.5 billion, amid her comments about how much entertainers could earn.

Responding to the challenge in the comment section of the post, Savage simply wrote: “Pick a date.”

Savage’s response has since generated reactions from fans, who interpreted it as her acceptance of the proposed bout.

However, there has been no official announcement of a promoter, venue, date, contract or agreed purse for a fight between the two singers.

The exchange comes amid growing interest in celebrity boxing in Nigeria, following a number of bouts involving entertainers.

On October 1, Big Brother Naija winner, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, defeated actress Nkechi Blessing in a celebrity boxing bout at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The fight was part of the Chaos in the Ring series promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions.

Phyna reportedly earned N50 million from the contest and subsequently called out Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia as a potential opponent.

Other entertainers who have featured in the series include Portable, Charles Okocha, Speed Darlington and Carter Efe.

While Teni and Savage’s exchange remains playful for now, Savage’s brief response has added fresh attention to the possibility of another high-profile celebrity boxing contest in Nigeria.