Boxer Aziz Abdul Ringo has claimed racism influenced the decision to disqualify him from his Commonwealth Games quarterfinal bout against England’s Damar Thomas.
Aziz, the grandson of former President Idi Amin Dada, was disqualified in the third round after officials ruled that he intentionally headbutted Thomas during a clinch, ending Uganda’s hopes of winning its first Commonwealth boxing medal since 1990.
The 25-year-old insisted the officiating was unfair and alleged he was treated differently because he was competing against a home boxer.
“When you watch the previous fights of England, their boxers create a lot of fouls,” Abdul said.
“I land a heavy punch on him, they never count. Instead of counting they deduct me.”
“I am black African. He is in homeland.”
Abdul also disputed the referee’s decision, maintaining the incident was accidental.
“All I can say about this is the decision is not right, I am not happy.”
“He elbowed me. He caught me with the elbow. It was not intentional. I was trying to come back. How can I headbutt someone? I would not.”
“He was the person they wanted to win. He was the winner before. I knew if I did not get knockout I could not win the fight.”
The result saw Thomas progress to the semifinals and secure at least a bronze medal, while Aziz Ringo exited the competition without a medal.
Ringo was Uganda’s remaining hope for a medal after Angel Katushabe was eliminated an hour earlier after a unanimous defeat after England’s Ruby White.
Ibrahim Khemis, Batte Nuhu, Emily Nakalema and Alfred Ojok all were stopped before the medal bracket.
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