- Rising Ghanaian boxer Bahubali (Ernest Akushey) died on September 23, 2025, shortly after a technical knockout loss to Jacob Dickson.
- A video resurfaced showing former world champion Joshua Clottey advising Bahubali to quit boxing for his own safety.
- Clottey expressed concern about the long-term effects of small injuries sustained in the sport.
- He watched Bahubali’s final fight on video due to a car accident and said the outcome was as he feared.
- Clottey congratulated Dickson on his victory but warned him to remain humble.
- Bahubali’s death has sparked calls for stricter medical checks and better support for Ghanaian boxers.
The Ghanaian boxing community is reeling after the tragic death of rising star Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, just 11 days following his technical knockout loss to Jacob Dickson at Bukom Arena.
In the wake of this loss, a video of former world champion Joshua Clottey advising Bahubali to leave boxing has resurfaced, leaving fans shocked by how prescient Clottey’s words now appear.
In the recording, Clottey, clearly concerned for the young boxer’s well-being, urged him to step away from the sport. “Bahubali, it’s time to make a decision. I’ve told you to stop boxing because I know the risks. Small punches today can have lasting effects tomorrow,” he warned.
Clottey admitted he could not attend Bahubali’s fight due to a car accident but watched the match on video, describing the outcome as exactly what he had feared. He also congratulated Dickson on his victory, while cautioning him to remain humble as future challenges await.
Bahubali was rushed for medical attention after his fight but tragically passed away in the early hours of September 23, 2025, at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, according to his twin sister, Naa Akweley.
His death has reignited discussions in Ghana about the need for stricter medical supervision and support for boxers, highlighting the risks athletes take in the ring for their careers.
Watch the video below:
Former IBF welterweight world champion Joshua Clottey shared powerful advice with Ghanaian professional boxer Ernest Akushey, known as Bahubali, immediately after his fight with Dickson. Clottey had a keen sense of what was to come. Tragically, Bahubali passed away in the early… pic.twitter.com/YI4SmjVir9
— 🇬🇭ᵀᴴᴱ FifaLordAmando 🎮⚽️🏃🏽♂️ (@Oscarnuwati) September 23, 2025
