Ghana Halts Boxing After Death of Super-Middleweight Fighter

Boxing authorities in Ghana have suspended all competitions in the country following the death of super-middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, widely known as Bahubali, Sport360NG reports.

Akushey, 32, passed away on Tuesday, 11 days after his bout against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on 12 September. Though the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, early indications suggest he may have suffered internal injuries during the contest.

The National Sports Authority (NSA) announced the suspension as what it called a “necessary step” to safeguard athletes, preserve the sport’s reputation, and chart a more secure future. The governing body also revealed that it will roll out a five-year roadmap aimed at upgrading safety measures and aligning Ghanaian boxing with international best practices.

The tragedy is the second of its kind in the country within half a year. In March, Nigerian fighter Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed in the ring during a match against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu in Accra and later died in hospital.

Boxing remains one of Ghana’s most popular sports, having produced global icons such as former two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson. The latest incident, however, has reignited urgent debate over the safety protocols surrounding the sport in the country.