Ghanaian Boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey Dies After Recent Defeat

Ghana’s boxing community is mourning the sudden death of Ernest Akushey, the 27-year-old fighter popularly known by his ring name “Bahubali.” He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, just days after suffering a punishing defeat in the ring.

Akushey, who trained at the Wadada Gym in James Town, had once been celebrated as one of Ghana’s most promising boxers. He began his professional career with an impressive undefeated record of six wins, no draws, and no losses. His aggressive, attacking style made him a fan favourite and earned him the nickname “Bahubali,” a reference to the heroic warrior from the hit Indian film.

His final fight took place on Saturday, September 13, at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he faced rising super middleweight contender Jacob Dickson. The bout attracted a large crowd and was billed as a major contest for both fighters. However, the fight soon became one-sided, with Dickson dominating the early rounds. By the eighth round, the referee was forced to stop the match, declaring Dickson the winner by technical knockout (TKO).

Footage from the fight, widely shared online, showed Akushey absorbing heavy blows throughout the contest. Many fans expressed concern at the level of punishment he endured before the referee intervened.

Reports indicate that Akushey fell ill on Monday, September 22, just over a week after the fight. He complained of severe discomfort, and his condition quickly deteriorated overnight. He was pronounced dead around 2 a.m. on Tuesday.

Family members and those close to the boxer suspect that his death may be linked to injuries sustained in the ring, though medical authorities have yet to release an official cause. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact circumstances.

Akushey’s passing has cast a heavy shadow over James Town, a community with a rich boxing tradition and proud history of producing champions. His death is being described as a huge loss to the sport, particularly for fans who saw him as a rising star destined for bigger opportunities.

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