Idi Amin’s grandson disqualified from Commonwealth Games boxing

Aziz Abdul, the grandson of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, faced disqualification during the Commonwealth Games boxing event. The incident occurred in the third round after Abdul head-butted his English opponent, Damar Thomas. Following the disqualification, Abdul expressed frustration and openly criticized the referee's decision, claiming unfair treatment.

The bout had begun with Abdul, 25, feeling confident. He previously stated that his grandfather, who ruled Uganda from 1971 and was responsible for the deaths of an estimated half a million people, served as an inspiration in his life. However, as the match progressed, he found himself trailing 20-16 on the scorecards before the head-butt incident took place.

After the fight, Abdul refused to speak to a Press Association journalist, saying, "No, not you. I don’t like you," in reference to prior negative coverage of his grandfather. A Ugandan team official explained that Abdul's reluctance was due to the journalist's past comments about Amin.

In response to his disqualification, Abdul voiced his opinion on the officiating, claiming there were numerous fouls going unpunished. "There were a lot of fouls, holding, elbowing, a lot of bulls**t. The officials cannot judge them," he stated, insisting his head-butt was unintentional and expressing discontent with having been knocked down earlier in the match.

Thomas, on the other hand, has now secured a place for a medal, reflecting on the chaotic nature of the fight, where he acknowledged a lack of quality despite ultimately getting the win. “I got the job done, not how I wanted it, but the job is done,” Thomas said. He remarked on Abdul’s aggressive style, noting, "He was running at me with his head. There was a bit of ring rust from me but it is what it is."

Abdul further declared his intention to avenge his loss, stating that he aims to settle the score with Thomas in the future. "Next time, I will get him," he vowed. "Anytime in the future. Two years, five years, 10 years. I will show him that Aziz Ringo is a real warrior."