Tributes Pour In After Boxer Ernest Akushey’s Passing – ‘Such A Tragic Loss’

The boxing community is in mourning following the death of Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey at 32.

Reports indicate he passed away on September 23, just 11 days after suffering a knockout defeat against Jacob Dickson. Akushey was unwell for ten days after the fight, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. His untimely death has shocked James Town, Accra, a strong Ghanaian boxing community. Akushey was once considered a rising prospect, racing to 6-0 record, with five KOs to his name. His final fight would be his sole loss, as his career was cut short at 6-1-0. Tributes have poured in for the late fighter. 

“The WBC mourns this irreparable loss and extends our deepest sympathies to Ernest’s family and many friends,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman

The death is a reminder that boxing is a dangerous sport. One of the immediate changes that can be made is to implement more stringent medical protocols. The current system relies on a post-fight check-up and a mandatory suspension. A global standard should be established for any fighter who is knocked out or suffers a severe TKO.

Another critical area that needs to be addressed is the role of the referee and the corner. Akushey’s final fight was his second consecutive knockout loss. Referees should be given stricter guidelines and training to recognize when a fighter is no longer defending himself and to step in earlier to stop a fight.

Finally, Akushey’s death highlights the need to address the long-term health and financial well-being of boxers. Many fighters, especially in smaller promotions, continue to fight well past their prime for financial reasons. This is a dangerous practice that can have tragic consequences.

Reaction