Aziz Abdul, competing in the super-heavyweight boxing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, was disqualified midway through the third round of his opening bout against England’s Damar Thomas after being penalised for a series of fouls, including a headbutt.
Fight ended after repeated warnings
The 25-year-old, whose family link to former Ugandan ruler Idi Amin has attracted attention, was docked penalties during the contest and ultimately removed from the ring when officials determined the fouls continued. Thomas, a former youth world champion, advanced to guarantee himself a place on the podium at the multi-sport event.
Match observers noted a physically charged fight in which Abdul sought to press forward despite being at a reach disadvantage. Thomas landed a short left in the opening round that prompted a standing count, and judges scored the first round decisively in Thomas’s favour.
“This referee’s decision is not right and I am not happy,” Abdul told reporters after the bout, railing at the officiating and accusing officials of unfair treatment.
Following the disqualification Abdul continued to express his frustration in the mixed zone, arguing the officials had been biased and making forceful comments about perceived fouls by other boxers.
What happened in the bout
The sequence of events that led to Abdul’s disqualification included multiple warnings and point deductions for fouls. The referee dismissed him during the third round when the illegal actions persisted.
- Damar Thomas progressed to the next stage and has secured at least a Commonwealth Games medal.
- Abdul received three penalties during the contest before being removed.
- Post-fight, Abdul publicly criticised the officiating, describing it as unfair and biased.
| Round | Notable events |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas scored with a short left; standing count given to Abdul; judges scored round for Thomas |
| 2 | Continued exchanges; fouls/punishments noted by officials |
| 3 | Abdul penalised further and disqualified mid-round |
Context and reaction
The bout drew attention not only for the in-ring decision but for Abdul’s post-fight comments, in which he suggested officials were treating him unfairly and referenced racial bias. He had been vocal during the lead-up to the Games, invoking family history and ambitious goals, and briefly referenced a famous family injunction in the build-up to the competition.
For Damar Thomas and England’s boxing team, the win is significant: reaching the semi-finals at a home Games secures a medal and moves the boxer into the closing stages of the tournament.
At a Games staged in Scotland and watched across the UK and Commonwealth, the match will likely be discussed by boxing officials and team managers as they review officiating and ensure consistency across bouts. For those following the sport locally, it is another reminder of how quickly a contest can turn on fouls and on-the-spot decisions by referees.
