Legendary Ghanaian boxer Professor Azumah Nelson has thrown his support behind the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) decision to suspend all boxing activities in the country.
According to the former world champion, the move is “necessary to sanitize the sport” and protect the lives of athletes.
Azumah Nelson made the comments during an interview with Gideon Okyere Anim (Gatusso) on Original TV, following the tragic deaths of two professional boxers in Ghana within a span of six months.
“This suspension is not to destroy boxing, but to make it better and safer,” Azumah Nelson stated. “We have to take a step back and correct what is wrong before we lose more lives.”
The NSA, in consultation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, announced an immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana after the recent death of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
Akushey, 32, died on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after suffering serious injuries during a bout against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12. He collapsed after the fight and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries days later.
This tragedy comes just months after another fatal incident. On March 29, 2025, Segun Success Olanrewaju, a 40-year-old former West African light-heavyweight champion, collapsed during a match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the same venue. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Both incidents occurred during events of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, raising serious concerns about safety standards, medical protocols, and oversight in the sport.
Source: metrotvonline.com
