Ugandan heavyweight boxer Aziz Abdul is ready to make his Commonwealth Games debut, hoping to revive Uganda’s proud boxing tradition when he steps into the ring in Glasgow.
The 25-year-old, popularly known as “Ringo”, will face England’s Damar Thomas in the men’s super-heavyweight (+90kg) contest on Wednesday. A win would secure him a place in the semi-finals and guarantee Uganda at least a bronze medal.
Abdul heads into the tournament carrying the legacy of one of Uganda’s most famous individuals. He is the grandson of former Ugandan president Idi Amin, who dominated the country’s light-heavyweight division from 1951 to 1960 before beginning his political career.
Rather than distancing himself from the comparisons, Abdul says his grandfather’s achievements continue to motivate him.
“My grandfather’s achievements inspire me. I am a real warrior, I am the son of the sun,” he said.
His remarks mirror the bold personality of Idi Amin, who famously referred to himself as the “King of Scotland” in 1976 after developing a fascination with the country during his military service in the King’s African Rifles. The nickname later inspired the book and award-winning film The Last King of Scotland.
Abdul says he has waited three years for the chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games and is determined to make a statement by finishing his fight before it goes to the judges.
Standing in his way is one of England’s brightest heavyweight prospects. Thomas, 21, won the European Youth Championship in 2022, captured the English national title in 2023 and reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Championships.
Uganda has produced several memorable boxing performances at the Commonwealth Games, but the country has not claimed a boxing gold medal since 1990. Abdul now has the opportunity to end that 36-year wait and write his own chapter in Uganda’s boxing history.
