The National Sports Authority (NSA) in Ghana has issued an indefinite ban on all boxing activities following the death of a young boxer, Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali, who died after a devastating loss to an opponent.
The NSA, while addressing the media, explained that the sport will be sidelined temporarily to ascertain the causes of Bahubali’s passing just a few months after a Nigerian, Segun Olanrewaju, also tragically slumped in the ring and later pronounced dead by medical practitioners.
The body’s Director General, Yaw Ankrah, said that the decision was necessary to conduct thorough investigation in the circumstances that led to the mishap, raising concerns on the number of fights Bahubali may have taken on in recent years.
”All boxing activities are suspended pending investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey.” Ankrah said on Wednesday.
”The deceased boxer, Ernest Akushey, is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12-24 months, which shouldn’t have happened.”
Experts in the contact sport mentioned that the suspension will look into fighter’s welfare and enhance reforms in medical checks alongside enforcement of safety regulations to avert further tragic incidents.
Bahubali was a super middleweight and light heavyweight boxer who died after winning six of eight professional bouts while Olanrewaju, who aged 40, was a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion.
