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. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, but preliminary findings indicate it may be linked to internal injuries sustained during his recent fight against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on 12 September.
In response to the tragedy, the National Sports Authority issued a statement stating that the suspension is a necessary step to protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future. This incident highlights growing concerns about safety in professional boxing, especially following the death of another boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a fight in Accra just six months earlier.
Authorities outlined a five-year strategy aimed at establishing safer, professional, and globally aligned standards for the sport, emphasizing the need for significant improvements in safety protocols.
Boxing is immensely popular in Ghana, having produced several prominent figures, including the two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson, making the current situation a critical concern for the nation.
Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali, died aged 32 on Tuesday. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, but preliminary findings indicate it may be linked to internal injuries sustained during his recent fight against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on 12 September.
In response to the tragedy, the National Sports Authority issued a statement stating that the suspension is a necessary step to protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future. This incident highlights growing concerns about safety in professional boxing, especially following the death of another boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a fight in Accra just six months earlier.
Authorities outlined a five-year strategy aimed at establishing safer, professional, and globally aligned standards for the sport, emphasizing the need for significant improvements in safety protocols.
Boxing is immensely popular in Ghana, having produced several prominent figures, including the two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson, making the current situation a critical concern for the nation.
