Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known in the sporting fraternity as “Bahubali,” has passed away, sparking grief across Ghana’s boxing community.
According to reports, the 27-year-old died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, barely two weeks after suffering a heavy defeat at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Born in Chorkor, Accra, Akushey rose through the ranks at the Wadada Gym in James Town. He competed in both the Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions, depending on the bout or opponent, and was once considered a promising contender with an early unbeaten run of 6-0-0.
His nickname “Bahubali” came from his ferocious, explosive style in the ring—likened to the warrior hero in the Indian blockbuster film. That fearless approach made him a crowd favourite across Chorkor, Mamprobi, James Town, Bukom, La and Osu, where fans rallied behind him.
Bahubali’s final fight was on Saturday, September 13, when he faced rising contender Jacob Dickson in a highly anticipated super middleweight showdown. The bout turned one-sided as Dickson dominated before sealing victory with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO). Videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under intense pressure, raising concern among fans even before news of his death emerged.
Reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup indicate that Akushey fell ill on Monday, September 22, complaining of undisclosed symptoms. His condition worsened overnight, and he was pronounced dead around 2 a.m. on Tuesday.
Family sources suspect his death may be linked to internal injuries sustained during the fight, although an official autopsy has yet to be released.
Akushey, who was once promoted by former Ghanaian boxer Ayittey Powers’ Promotions before parting ways in 2024, leaves behind a legacy as one of Bukom’s beloved warriors whose name resonated beyond the ring.
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