Advertisement

Aziz Abdul, the grandson of former Ugandan president Idi Amin, has been disqualified from the Commonwealth Boxing Championships after headbutting his opponent during a super-heavyweight quarter-final in Glasgow.

Aziz, who had declared before the tournament that he hoped to become the “new king of Scotland,” saw his campaign end abruptly following a heated contest against England’s Damar Thomas on Wednesday.

The Ugandan boxer started strongly, landing several left hooks in the opening round, but Thomas responded effectively and forced a standing count after connecting with a sharp left hand.

As the bout progressed, Aziz was repeatedly cautioned by the referee for foul play. He was docked a point for punching Thomas after the referee had called for a break during a clinch.

The fight reached a dramatic end midway through the final round when Aziz headbutted Thomas on the chin, prompting the referee to issue a third warning and disqualify him. The decision drew loud boos from spectators inside the arena.

Speaking after the bout, Aziz criticised the referee’s decision, insisting he had been treated unfairly.

“This referee’s decision is not right and I am not happy,” he said.

He also alleged that English boxers had committed similar fouls in previous bouts without facing the same punishment.

Aziz’s grandfather, Idi Amin, ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979 and was known for once proclaiming himself the “King of Scotland,” a title that inspired the Oscar-winning film The Last King of Scotland.

Advertisement