Boxing Suspended In Ghana Following Death of Boxer

All boxing activities in Ghana have been suspended following the death of a super-middleweight 11 days after a bout in Accra.

Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali, died aged 32 on Tuesday. His death brings to two the number of professional boxers that have died in the country in the last six months

While the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, preliminary indications suggest it may be linked to internal injuries sustained during his recent fight.

Akushey faced Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena in the Ghanaian capital, Accra on 12 September.

In a statement, the National Sports Authority described the nationwide suspension as a “necessary step” to “protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future”.

Authorities have also announced plans to implement a five-year strategy aimed at establishing safer, more professional and globally-aligned standards for boxing.

In March, Nigeria’s Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed while taking on Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu, also in Accra, and died soon after being rushed to hospital.

Boxing enjoys immense popularity in Ghana and has produced numerous big names, including the legendary former two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson.