The National Sports Authority of Ghana has suspended all boxing activities in the country following the death of 32-year-old super-middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali.
Akushey died 11 days after a bout in Accra, with preliminary indications suggesting he may have suffered internal injuries during the fight against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12.
This incident marks the second death of a professional fighter in Ghana within six months, raising concerns about safety standards in the sport.
In March, Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed after a fight against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu in Accra and died shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
The suspension is seen as a necessary step to protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport, and ensure its future.
Ghanaian authorities plan to implement a five-year strategy to establish safer and more professional standards for boxing, aligning with global best practices.
Ghana has produced notable boxing legends like Azumah Nelson, a former two-weight world champion.
