Stories and facts

Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali, died on September 23, 2025, at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital following a defeat at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on September 12.

He is suspected of having sustained injuries in the bout against Jacob Dickson, and his condition progressively worsened in the days after the bout.

Akushey’s death, just eleven days after the fight, has deeply saddened the boxing community and reignited urgent debates about safety and medical protocols in Ghanaian boxing.

Ernest Akushey was a well-known super-middleweight boxer who had faced criticism over the quick turnaround between his previous fight in May 2025 and this final bout.

Concerns were raised about the lack of proper medical clearance and the risky weight jump he made during those few weeks. The Ghana Boxing Authority and other organisations are now facing calls to improve regulations and better protect fighters.

In response to the tragedy, all boxing activities in Ghana were suspended temporarily as authorities review safety standards to safeguard the future of the sport.