A photo of a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has described the sudden death of middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, known as Bahubali, as a wake-up call for the sport, announcing immediate plans to enforce mandatory medical examinations for boxers following fights
32 year-old Bahubali passed away in the early hours of September 23 at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, just 11 days after suffering an eighth-round technical knockout defeat to Jacob Dickson at Accra’s Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12.
Acting GBA president, Roger Barnor, speaking on Joy Prime’s Morning Show, emphasized personal accountability while outlining the new safeguards.
“It’s a learning curve for us all and a wake-up call; this shows that after a bout you need to take care of yourself,” Barnor said.
We can’t conclude that Bahubali’s death was caused by boxing – Mohammed Amin Lamptey
He continued that once a contract ends, fighters are on their own, with promoters and sanctioning bodies bearing no further responsibility.
“You need to check on yourself and take care of yourself when you feel something.”
However he declared that the GBA together with the boxing medical team are working on a structure to help fighters, “now we are putting up a structure that after some few days of a fight you will be asked to come to the hospital for treatment to ensure you are ok.”
Meanwhile, the National Sports Authority has suspend all boxing related activities in the country with immediate effect.
ALL/JE
Meanwhile, watch interviews with Bahubali’s twin sister and promoter below
