Ghanaian light heavyweight Ernest Akushey, known as “Bahubali,” has passed away at the age of 27 from injuries suffered during a boxing match. According to the WBC, Akushey (6-2) died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23rd, just days after suffering a tough defeat in the ring. He was once considered one a promising fighter, but he lost a fight in May by technical knockout to undefeated Jonathan Tetteh. Akushey burst onto the professional scene with an undefeated streak, building a 6-0 record. His relentless attacking style earned him the nickname “Bahubali,” after the heroic warrior from a famous Indian film.

 

His last fight took place on Saturday, September 13th, at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he faced rising super middleweight contender, Jacob Dickson. The highly anticipated showdown drew a large crowd, but the fight quickly became one-sided. Dickson controlled the match from the opening rounds before forcing a technical knockout (TKO) in the eighth.

 

Reports indicate that the boxer felt unwell on Monday, September 22, a week after the fight. He reportedly complained of severe discomfort before his condition worsened overnight. Akushey’s death has cast a somber mood over Ghanaian boxing, especially in James Town, a community with deep ties to the sport. Boxing talk joins the WBC and its president, Mauricio Sulaimán, in extending our deepest sympathies to Ernest’s family and many friends.