Nigerian singer and entertainer Speed Darlington has challenged Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy to a boxing match, insisting that he would defeat the international music star in the ring.
Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, made the challenge during a recent interview with Hip TV. He said he was willing to put a substantial amount of money on the proposed bout if Burna Boy agreed to face him.
“I challenge Burna Boy to fight me. I will drop a huge sum just to fight him. I want to fight him. I will beat him. He’s all hype. He can’t beat me,” the entertainer said.
Speed Darlington also argued that Burna Boy’s popularity and achievements in the music industry would not necessarily give him an advantage in a physical contest.
The challenge has attracted attention because of the long-running public tension between the two entertainers. Speed Darlington has previously made controversial comments about Burna Boy, while their disagreements have generated significant discussion among Nigerian entertainment fans.
The proposed fight also comes after Speed Darlington’s previous boxing encounter with singer Portable. Reports said the bout took place in April 2025, with Portable emerging as the winner after Speed Darlington failed to continue in the second round. Burna Boy was subsequently reported to have given Portable ₦20 million.
Speed Darlington’s latest challenge appears to be an attempt to take his rivalry with Burna Boy from social media exchanges into the boxing ring. However, there is currently no indication that Burna Boy has accepted the proposed contest or agreed to any official fight arrangements.
The development has nevertheless renewed interest in the entertainers’ relationship and could generate further reactions if Burna Boy responds.
Speed Darlington is known for his outspoken personality, music and viral social-media appearances, while Burna Boy remains one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised Afrobeats artists. For now, whether the proposed boxing match becomes a reality remains uncertain.
