Idi Amin’s grandson disqualified from Commonwealth Games boxing after headbutt
Aziz Abdul, the grandson of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, was disqualified from his Commonwealth Games super-heavyweight quarter-final bout after headbutting his English opponent, Damar Thomas. The incident occurred during the third round of the fight, leading to Abdul’s immediate disqualification.
Following the decision by Argentinian referee Manuel Vilarino, Abdul expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging bias and implying racism. He stated, “All I can say about this is the decision is not right. I’m not happy about the decision.” Abdul further claimed that English boxers frequently commit fouls that are not penalised, suggesting a double standard.
Disqualification and Reaction
The quarter-final match, contested in the 90-plus kg category, saw Abdul receive two warnings before the referee stopped the bout with over a minute remaining in the third round. Abdul had previously been docked a point for a standing count in the first round and another for repeatedly punching on the break before the disqualification for the headbutt.
Abdul maintained that the headbutt was unintentional and that he believed a knockout was his only path to victory. “He was the winner before – I just knew if I wouldn’t get a knockout I could not win that fight,” he commented, adding that his opponent was “at home.”
In response to Abdul’s claims of racism and unfair treatment, Dr Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport and also from Uganda, dismissed the allegations. Dr Rukare stated, “We at Commonwealth Sport believe that every athlete is treated fairly in a non discriminatory manner.” He suggested Abdul’s comments were made “in the heat of the moment” and affirmed that the organisation has a good relationship with World Boxing, ensuring athletes are treated fairly.
Insiders noted that African nations have secured eight boxing medals at these Games, with two from Lesotho, two from Ghana, three from Namibia, and one from Zambia. This marks one of the continent’s most successful performances at a Commonwealth Games.
Amin’s Legacy and Abdul’s Aspirations
Before his bout, Abdul had garnered attention by declaring his ambition to become the new ‘King of Scotland’, referencing his notorious grandfather, Idi Amin. Amin, who seized power in 1971, was known for his brutal regime, during which an estimated half a million people were killed and Uganda’s entire Asian population was expelled. Amin, a self-styled “King of Scotland,” fathered an estimated 60 children and held a fascination with Scotland, the current host country of the Commonwealth Games.
Abdul, who never met his grandfather, was aiming to secure Uganda’s first Commonwealth Games boxing medal since Auckland in 1990. A victory against Thomas would have guaranteed him a medal.
Thomas, Abdul’s opponent, acknowledged that the win was “not the way” he desired, but stated, “I can’t change what happened today but I can control how I box on Friday.” Thomas is now guaranteed at least a bronze medal.
The disqualification occurred on day six of the Games, which also saw Australia secure two more medals. Lekeisha Pergoliti had a contentious 3-2 win over Nigerian Blessing Orakwe in their 70kg quarter-final, while Paul Trainor beat Welsh opponent Daniel Pitt 4-1 in their 80kg bout. Six of the eight Australians competing in boxing, all first-time participants, are now in the semi-finals and guaranteed medals.
The incident took place on Thursday morning (NZST).
Source: 1news.co.nz
