Aziz Abdul disqualified from Commonwealth Games boxing for headbutt
Ugandan boxer Aziz Abdul, the grandson of Idi Amin, was disqualified from his Commonwealth Games fight in Glasgow after an apparent headbutt. The incident occurred during his bout against Damar Thomas of England in the third round. Abdul, who is 25 years old, was penalised after his head made contact with Thomas’ chin while the two boxers grappled.
Following the disqualification, Abdul expressed his dissatisfaction, suggesting that the officials were biased against him because he is a “black African.” He claimed that English boxers frequently committed fouls that went unpunished, while his actions led to deductions. Abdul also stated that he believed the decision was unfair, asserting that Thomas had elbowed him and that his head movement was not intentional.
Abdul, who uses the nickname Aziz Ringo, had received warnings in the previous two rounds and was trailing on all judges’ scorecards before the disqualification. He maintained that he knew he would not win the fight unless he secured a knockout, implying a predetermined outcome. He also criticised the referee for ruling a knockdown against him in the first round after what he described as a light punch, while a heavy punch he landed was not counted and resulted in a points deduction.
Before the super-heavyweight bout, Abdul had expressed his ambition to become the “new King of Scotland,” a reference to his grandfather’s self-declaration in 1976. Amin, a former boxer himself, had a fascination with Scotland, having served in the King’s African Rifles. He was known to wear a kilt and play the bagpipes, and even offered to liberate the Scots from England. Abdul had also stated that his grandfather’s achievements inspired him, and he was proud of him.
Abdul, who never met his grandfather, was aiming to secure Uganda‘s first Commonwealth boxing medal since 1990. A victory against Thomas would have guaranteed him at least a bronze medal. He had previously vowed to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, aiming to increase Uganda’s gold medal count in boxing. He also mentioned his idol, Mike Tyson, and his signature punch, the “Ringo punch.”
Thomas, his English opponent, is now guaranteed at least a bronze medal. He acknowledged that the win was “not the way” he wanted it, but stated that the job was done. Thomas noted that Abdul was running at him with his head, and he admitted to some “ring rust” on his part. He also mentioned his focus on his next fight, stating he would control how he boxes on Friday.
Amin, who came to power in a coup in 1971, ruled Uganda for eight years. His regime was marked by significant human rights abuses, with estimates suggesting half a million people were killed. He also ordered the expulsion of 80,000 people of Asian descent. Despite his sinister reputation, Abdul had stated that he held his grandfather in high esteem, particularly for his boxing achievements.
Abdul’s debut at the Commonwealth Games ended with his disqualification and a verbal exchange with a journalist. He declined to speak with a reporter from the Press Association, citing previous articles about his grandfather. A Ugandan team official clarified that Abdul’s refusal stemmed from the journalist’s past writings about Amin. Abdul had previously told the BBC that he was inspired by Amin, though it was unclear if this referred to his boxing or other aspects of his grandfather’s life. He had also refused to answer if he was proud to be the dictator’s grandson when asked by the BBC, but addressed how he felt about being linked to someone with such a reputation.
Abdul had expressed his belief that anything can happen in heavyweight boxing, quoting Mike Tyson‘s saying, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” He had also stated his intention to win by knockout, as his grandfather used to advise, especially in an “away match.” He vowed to face Thomas again in the future, stating, “Next time, I will get him.”
The BBC Sport has contacted Commonwealth Games organisers and World Boxing for their response to Abdul’s comments regarding the disqualification.
Abdul’s disqualification means Uganda‘s wait for a Commonwealth boxing medal since 1990 continues.
Source: bbc.com
