All boxing activities in Ghana have been suspended following the death of super-middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 32. Akushey, also known as Bahubali, died just 11 days after his fight against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on September 12.
Preliminary indications suggest that internal injuries sustained during the bout may have contributed to his death, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The National Sports Authority has labeled the suspension as a necessary step to protect lives and uphold the integrity of the sport.
Moreover, authorities plan to implement a five-year strategy aimed at enhancing safety standards in boxing to align more closely with global practices. This tragic incident marks the second death of a professional fighter in Ghana within just six months, reigniting vital discussions about the safety measures in place within the sport.
Earlier this year, Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed and died shortly after facing Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu in Accra, further highlighting the need for stricter oversight in the sport.
Boxing is a beloved sport in Ghana, having produced numerous notable figures, including former two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson. As the country mourns the loss of another athlete, the hope is for stronger regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
