The Ghanaian boxing community is reeling from the devastating loss of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, who passed away early Tuesday morning, September 23, prompting the National Sports Authority (NSA) to suspend all boxing activities pending a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The 27-year-old super middleweight fighter succumbed to internal bleeding at LEKMA Hospital in Teshie, Accra, just 11 days after sustaining severe injuries during his bout with Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12.
Akushey, affectionately known as Bahubali, had carved out a unique niche in Ghana’s boxing landscape as an entertainer who brought unprecedented excitement to the sport through his charismatic personality and fearless fighting style. His ability to hype fights and connect with fans made him one of the most beloved figures in local boxing circles.
The NSA’s immediate suspension of all boxing activities underscores the gravity of the situation and reflects growing concerns about safety standards in the sport. This decisive action signals a commitment to thoroughly investigating the factors that led to this preventable tragedy.
The Chorkor native transformed Ghana’s boxing scene by reviving interest in the sport during a period when many fighters were reluctant to face each other. His willingness to challenge opponents regardless of weight class or reputation made him a fan favorite who consistently drew crowds to the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Despite never winning a major title, Bahubali achieved something more valuable – genuine connection with boxing fans who appreciated his authentic personality and warrior spirit. His approach to the sport emphasized entertainment value without compromising competitive integrity, making him more popular than many championship holders.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) joined the mourning, acknowledging Akushey as one of Ghana’s most promising fighters, highlighting the international recognition his unique style and personality had garnered within boxing circles.
The boxer’s professional record of six victories in eight fights, including five knockouts for a 75% knockout ratio, reflected his aggressive style and entertainment value. His orthodox brawling approach and willingness to engage in exciting battles made every appearance a must-watch event for local boxing enthusiasts.
His training at the legendary Wadada Gym in James Town alongside established names like Braimah “Bukom Banku” Kamoko provided him with the technical foundation to complement his natural fighting instincts. This combination of skill development and raw talent made him a formidable opponent despite his relatively late start in professional boxing.
The trajectory of Bahubali’s career included memorable encounters with established fighters like Elvis “Soldier Boxer” Ahorgah in June 2024 and Jonathan Tetteh for the National Super Middleweight Championship in May 2025. Each bout showcased his evolution as both a fighter and performer.
His final contest against the cruiserweight Dickson demonstrated his characteristic fearlessness in accepting challenges against larger opponents. This willingness to test himself against superior physical specimens epitomized the warrior mentality that endeared him to fans across Ghana.
The boxer’s impact extended beyond the ring, where his jovial personality and genuine humility made him accessible to fans and fellow fighters alike. His ability to maintain composure and respect even in the heat of competition set him apart in a sport often characterized by ego and controversy.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about medical protocols at boxing venues, with critics pointing to inadequate emergency response capabilities and insufficient pre-fight health screening procedures. These systemic issues have been highlighted by recent incidents involving serious injuries to local fighters.
Bahubali leaves behind a wife and one child, adding personal tragedy to the professional loss felt by Ghana’s boxing community. His family now faces the dual burden of grief and financial uncertainty following the premature loss of their primary breadwinner.
The boxer’s legacy as an entertainer who restored excitement to Ghanaian boxing will likely inspire future generations of fighters to embrace the sport’s entertainment value while maintaining competitive excellence. His approach demonstrated that success could be measured by fan connection rather than just championship hardware.
Disclaimer: The story “Ghana Boxing Mourns Beloved Entertainer Bahubali’s Tragic Passing” first appeared on News Ghana and is syndicated via Digpu & NewsTex.