Ghanaian Boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey's Death After Fight Raises Concerns Over Athlete Safety
- Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, 32, died on September 23, 2025, just days after suffering a technical knockout during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena
- US-based Ghanaian Nursing Officer and Medical Gerontologist, Jeremiah Obo Assan, believes that Bahubali may have suffered internal bleeding during the fight
- His death has sparked debates about boxer welfare in Ghana, with renewed calls for stricter medical checks and proper regulation
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Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, known by his ring name “Bahubali,” suddenly passed away on September 23, 2025.
Source: TikTok
His death followed a series of events that began with a defeat in the ring. He was 32 years old.
On September 13, 2025, the fierce boxer endured a difficult bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he was defeated by Jacob Dickson through an eighth-round technical knockout.
The match was intense, with Bahubali receiving countless blows that deformed his face, leaving him with severe swelling and multiple wounds.
Footage of the bout, showing him struggling to match Dickson’s intensity, went viral.
Some critics questioned why the Ghana Boxing Authority permitted such a dangerous contest.
Days later, in the early hours of September 23, Bahubali fell ill. His condition deteriorated rapidly overnight. He was rushed to LEKMA Hospital in Accra, where he was pronounced dead
The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but some sources claim the internal injuries sustained during the fight may have contributed to his sudden illness and eventual passing.
Weak structures in Ghanaian boxing
It was reported that he earned only 1,000 Ghana cedis after the match, making his situation even more tragic, as many questioned how he could have afforded proper medical care.
Bahubali was a fast-rising star in Ghana’s boxing scene, admired for his confidence in beating opponents and his ability to draw large crowds to his matches.
He had competed in both the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
In the aftermath, a video resurfaced showing a prophecy by the popular prophet Karma President, who had predicted Bahubali’s death weeks earlier.
The video sparked widespread discussion among Ghanaians, with some believing in the prophecy while others remained sceptical.
The passing of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey serves as a sombre reminder of the physical risks in professional boxing and the importance of prioritising the health and safety of athletes.
Source: Original
Gerontologist links fight injuries to stroke
Jeremiah Obo Assan, a US-based Ghanaian Nursing Officer and Medical Gerontologist, in an interview with YEN.com.gh, shared insights on the ongoing speculation that Bahubali suffered from internal bleeding.
Jeremiah, just like many people have speculated, strongly believes that the injuries sustained during the bout led to internal bleeding, which eventually caused a haemorrhagic stroke.
He advised that boxers undergo mandatory physical assessments, including comprehensive medical checks, before and after matches to rule out potential risks.
He said:
“Boxers should be educated on the potential risks of their profession and provided with proper health education to protect themselves before and after matches. Secondly, the association should ensure that professionals train boxers to improve their technique, as this can help them protect their heads in the ring. Additionally, there should be a partnership with the Ghana Health Service to provide monthly health checks for boxers.”
After reports that Bahubali earned only 1,000 cedis from the fight, YEN.com.gh asked Jeremiah about how medical support and insurance for fighters could be better structured, given the financial struggles many face.
He responded:
“The association should be a major advocate for these boxers, especially since many are illiterate and rely on the sport to make a living. Adequate payouts would allow them to seek medical attention when needed. The association must also ensure that boxers are enrolled in insurance schemes, including both medical and life insurance. Promoters should contribute to these insurance policies before contracts are signed, and, if necessary, be mandated to pay the premiums. There should also be a minimum payout of 10,000 cedis per match, which should not fall below the equivalent of $1,000.
He concluded:
“Early warning signs such as paralysis, general weakness, shortness of breath, or slurred speech must never be ignored. Even the smallest changes in a boxer’s physical appearance should prompt immediate hospital visits for thorough check-ups.”
Source: TikTok
Health coach says Bahubali’s injuries were dangerous
Professional Nurse and Health and Safety Awareness Coach, Abeiku Aggrey Santana, shared his perspective with YEN.com.gh on the sudden death of Ghanaian boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
In his view, the injuries sustained during the fight may have contributed significantly to Bahubali’s untimely passing. “The blows from the opponent to the head, lower jaw, and underarm all have an impact on him. He’s human, not a robot. There could be organ damage, a contusion, or even broken ribs, all of which are life-threatening if not detected early,” he explained.
He also questioned the medical report surrounding Bahubali’s case. According to the boxer’s manager, Bahubali was declared fit for the fight, but when he was rushed to the hospital, doctors confirmed he had malaria. Santana found this explanation troubling.
Aggrey stated that, before malaria parasites can cause illness, it means the parasites have been in the system for more than two weeks.
They should have run a full blood count and rapid diagnostic tests, including malaria, followed by X-rays of the most affected areas, MRI, and head CT scans, and advised that these should be mandatory for boxers.
Boxers should access medical insurance
He stressed that Ghana’s boxing system needs better medical structures and regulation and stated that the Boxing authorities should have a clear statement for managers, coaches, and boxing academies.
These bodies should have quality medical doctors, professional trainers, and a modernised system with X-ray machines to ensure the well-being of athletes.
Santana also raised concerns about the financial struggles faced by professional boxers.
“How can you pay a professional boxer 1,000 cedis a month while there are no proper medical check-ups for him? Imagine he has to buy medicines for himself, and still has a wife and kids to take care of. There should be more sponsors and free medical treatment for these boxers, with academies bearing the cost. Again, the government should fund and regulate this sport since it’s dangerous,” he urged.
Finally, he advised coaches and managers to be more observant of athletes after fights, every single swelling, wound, bleeding, emotional state, and the boxer’s physical appearance before and after the match must be taken into consideration.
Small injuries can be very dangerous inside the body, and at times, only machines can detect them.
Source: Twitter
Tragic passing of Olanrewaju prompts official inquiry
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju tragically died after collapsing at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025.
Punch News reported that an autopsy done on the late pugilist confirmed that the late boxer died of sudden cardiac arrest.
Since then, Ghanaian and Nigerian boxing authorities have embarked on initiatives to shore up safety protocols to avoid similar unfortunate situations.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
