The Ghanaian boxing community is in shock following the death of rising fighter Ernest Bahubali Akushey, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Akushey’s final bout took place on September 12 at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he suffered an eighth-round technical knockout loss to Jacob Dickson.
Reports indicate that he began feeling unwell on September 22. His condition rapidly deteriorated overnight, and he was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
While an official cause of death has not yet been released, there is speculation the fight may have contributed to internal trauma.
Nicknamed Bahubali for his fearless style, Akushey had been regarded as one of Ghana’s promising talents. Before his defeat to Dickson, he had maintained an impressive unbeaten run, reportedly going 6-0 as a professional.
In May, he suffered his first loss via stoppage to Jonathan Tetteh—making the Dickson defeat his second consecutive stoppage loss.
Reports indicate that he began feeling unwell on September 22. His condition rapidly deteriorated overnight, and he was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
While an official cause of death has not yet been released, there is speculation the fight may have contributed to internal trauma.
Nicknamed “Bahubali” for his fearless style, Akushey had been regarded as one of Ghana’s promising talents. Before his defeat to Dickson, he had maintained an impressive unbeaten run, reportedly going 6-0 as a professional.
In May, he suffered his first loss via stoppage to Jonathan Tetteh—making the Dickson defeat his second consecutive stoppage loss.
In response to his death, Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) has suspended all boxing activities pending the outcome of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah indicated that preliminary findings suggest Akushey may have fought more frequently than regulations allow over the past two years.
Tributes have poured in from across the boxing world. The World Boxing Council (WBC) expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Akushey’s family and peers.
His last opponent, Jacob Dickson, also paid tribute, acknowledging Akushey’s courage and legacy in the ring.
The tragedy comes amid a troubling pattern of boxer deaths in 2025. Earlier in the year, Irish fighter John Cooney died after suffering a brain haemorrhage post-bout. Japanese fighters Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa also succumbed to brain injuries sustained in competition in August.
