Ugandan super heavyweight boxer Aziz Abdul, grandson of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, has accused boxing officials of bias and racism following his disqualification in a Commonwealth Games bout. Abdul was disqualified in the third round of his match against England's Damar Thomas for headbutting his opponent.
Abdul, 25, who fights under the nickname Ringo, expressed his dissatisfaction with the referee's decision, stating, "All I can say about this is the referee’s decision is not right and I am not happy." He further alleged that English boxers often commit fouls without penalty, while his own actions were unfairly punished. "When you watch the previous fights of England, their boxers create a lot of fouls and they play a lot of bull****," Abdul stated. "They cannot judge them wrong. I took a light punch and they counted. I landed a heavy punch on him and they deduct my points and warn me."
He suggested that the officials' decision was influenced by a desire to ensure a British competitor reached the final. "It’s unfair. I’m a black African, I know. It’s God’s plan. I don’t know why the officials are scared about this fight. Why can’t they let this fight continue," he said. Abdul maintained he did not intentionally headbutt his opponent, suggesting, "How can I headbutt someone? I would not headbutt someone. He is the real person they wanted to win."
Abdul, who identified himself as a descendant of Idi Amin, noted that his grandfather was also an accomplished boxer before his rise to power. The former dictator ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, a period marked by widespread human rights abuses and political repression.
Abdul had ambitions of winning the match, stating he was on a mission to be crowned champion before his fight was terminated. "I knew if I could not get a knockout then I would not win the fight because he’s at home. It’s an away match for me here. All I say is it’s God’s plan and I wish him good luck for his next fight," he added.