Boxer, 27, dies just days after fight as tributes pour in for rising star

Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey sadly died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 11 days after he was defeated by Jacob Dickson. The fighter, who was just 27 years old, reportedly complained about feeling unwell before his condition deteriorated.

Akushey, who was known as Bahubali, turned professional in 2019 and won his first six fights. He was given a shot at claiming the Ghanaian light heavyweight title in May but lost against Jonathan Tetteh via a technical knockout in the seventh round. And he returned to the ring to face Dickson on Saturday, September 13.

Akushey, dubbed a rising star in his homeland, went head-to-head with super middleweight contender Dickson in his final fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Ghana as a huge crowd watched on.

But the contest proved to be a one-sided affair as Akushey took several blows to the head, with Dickson ultimately forcing a technical knockout in the eighth round.

Akushey then became unwell at the start of this week as he dealt with severe discomfort. His condition worsened overnight before he sadly passed away.

Akushey's death has cast a sombre mood in the Ghanaian boxing scene. And a tribute by the World Boxing Council read: "The WBC and its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, mourn this irreparable loss and extend their deepest sympathies to Ernest's family and many friends."

Meanwhile, Dickson wrote on Instagram: "I'm deeply shaken and heartbroken to hear about the passing of Ernest Akushey (Bahubali). Though we stood on opposite sides, I always recognised your strength, your courage, and the fire in your spirit. We may have been opponents, but you earned my respect in every way that mattered.

"To know that you are no longer here... it feels unreal. It's a heavy loss - not just to those who knew and loved you, but to everyone who ever witnessed your fight, your heart, your humanity. Life can be cruel in its timing. One moment we clash as rivals, the next we mourn as humans."

And Ghana's National Sports Authority said: "The Authority shares in the grief of the bereaved family and the entire boxing fraternity, and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time."

Akushey's passing comes just over a week after the death of British boxer Ricky Hatton at the age of 46.

Hatton's body was found at his home in Greater Manchester by his manager Paul Speak.

And his family explained in a statement: "We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.

"The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved. It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride."