BY Daniel Bampoe
The Ghanaian boxing fraternity has been thrown into grief following the sudden death of Ernest Akushey, popularly known in the boxing ring as Bahubali.
The 32-year-old fighter, who was tipped by many as one of the country’s promising boxers, passed away in the early hours of Monday, around 2:00 a.m., after battling for his life for weeks.
Bahubali’s health complications began nearly two weeks ago during a competitive bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The Chorkor-born boxer endured a flurry of heavy punches from his opponent and reportedly collapsed after the fight.
Despite medical attention and subsequent care, his condition deteriorated until his untimely passing.
A heartbreaking video circulating on social media captured the devastating scene of Bahubali’s final moments.
In the footage, his lifeless body lay in an ambulance while his mother wept uncontrollably, desperately pounding his chest in a futile attempt to revive her son.
The video has since triggered an outpouring of sorrow and tributes across the country, particularly within the boxing community.
Bahubali, who hailed from Chorkor — a fishing community in Accra known for producing several tough fighters — was celebrated for his “explosive” fighting style, stamina, and courage in the ring.
His rise in the local boxing circuit had been a source of pride for many fans in Chorkor and Bukom, two neighborhoods that have historically been the cradle of Ghanaian boxing talent.
