The highly anticipated clash for the National Super Middleweight Title between Ernest “Baubali” Akushey and Elvis “Soldier Boxer” Ahorgah at the Bukom Boxing Arena ended in controversy and disappointment for fans on Saturday night.
The bout, part of the debut Ayitey Powers Promotions event dubbed ‘Power of the Fists,’ saw both fighters enter the ring with high expectations. Baubali, undefeated with a record of 6-0-0, faced off against Soldier Boxer (11-2-0) in a match that drew a sell-out crowd and garnered significant media attention.
In the sixth round, 23-year-old Elvis Ahorgah appeared to dominate the fight with precise punches and agile defence, seemingly outperforming Baubali, who weighed 166.6 lbs. However, the match took an unexpected turn when referee Roger Barnor detected a cut in Baubali’s gloves. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, including a request for replacement gloves, the corner of Soldier Boxer opted to throw in the towel.
The abrupt end led to confusion and frustration among fans, who eagerly awaited the title’s outcome. Security personnel intervened to manage the situation as tensions escalated ringside.
Notable figures from the sports world, including Prof Azumah Nelson, Asamoah Gyan, and Ayitey Powers himself, were in attendance, adding to the event’s prestige despite the unsatisfactory conclusion of the main event.
Following the incident, boxing enthusiasts took to social media to express their opinions and frustrations, debate the outcome, and call for official clarity from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
In other night matches, Freezy Mcbones captured headlines with a thrilling victory over Ibrahim Labaran in the Middleweight category. At the same time, Isaac Aryeetey fell short against Michael Abban in the Super Flyweight Contest. Jerry Klutei Robertson secured a win over Godwin Tetteh in the Bantamweight division, and Wasiru Mohammed triumphed over Michael Akramah Tetteh in the Lightweight class.
As the boxing community awaits the GBA’s official resolution regarding the title bout, the controversy at ‘Power of the Fists’ has sparked intense debate and reflection on the future of boxing in Ghana.
