Ugandan super-heavyweight boxer Aziz Abdul, grandson of the former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada, was disqualified during his Commonwealth Games boxing match against England’s Damar Thomas.
The 25-year-old fighter was behind on all judges’ scorecards when the disqualification occurred in the third round after a head clash with Thomas. Abdul’s head made contact with Thomas’ chin during a clinch, leading to his removal from the contest.
Background and Controversy
Before the fight, Abdul boldly declared his ambition to become the new “King of Scotland,” echoing his grandfather’s notorious self-proclamation in 1976. Idi Amin ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979 and was known for his brutal regime.
Abdul, who has stated he never met his grandfather, was aiming to secure Uganda’s first Commonwealth boxing medal since 1990.
Post-Match Reactions
Following the fight, Abdul contested the disqualification, insisting the headbutt was accidental. He claimed Thomas had elbowed him first and suggested that bias influenced the judges’ decision.
- “It was not intentional. I was trying to come back,” Abdul said.
- He added, “I am black African. He is in his homeland. He was the person they wanted to win.”
The disqualification ended Abdul’s hopes of a medal at the Games and sparked debate over fairness in officiating.
