All boxing activities in Ghana have been suspended following the death of a super-middleweight boxer, Ernest Akushey, known as Bahubali, just 11 days after his bout in Accra. Akushey passed away at the age of 32, with preliminary reports suggesting his death may be linked to internal injuries from the match he had on September 12 against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The National Sports Authority called the nationwide suspension a necessary step to safeguard lives and maintain the sport's integrity. Plans for a five-year strategy have also been unveiled to implement better safety and professionalism in the boxing scene.
This incident marks the second death of a professional fighter in Ghana this year, reigniting concerns about safety protocols. In March, another boxer, Nigeria's Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, collapsed during a fight and died shortly after being hospitalized.
Boxing is immensely popular in Ghana, producing many legendary fighters, including former two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson.
The National Sports Authority called the nationwide suspension a necessary step to safeguard lives and maintain the sport's integrity. Plans for a five-year strategy have also been unveiled to implement better safety and professionalism in the boxing scene.
This incident marks the second death of a professional fighter in Ghana this year, reigniting concerns about safety protocols. In March, another boxer, Nigeria's Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, collapsed during a fight and died shortly after being hospitalized.
Boxing is immensely popular in Ghana, producing many legendary fighters, including former two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson.
