‘I’m a black African’: Commonwealth Games boxer Aziz Abdul’s racism claim rejected after headbutt disqualification

Ugandan boxer Aziz Abdul was disqualified for headbutting England’s Damar Thomas during their super-heavyweight quarter-final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Abdul accused officials of racism, saying he was treated unfairly because he is 'a black African'.

Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare rejected the racism claim, stating the disqualification was a legitimate field-of-play decision.

The disqualification guaranteed Thomas at least a bronze medal and ended Abdul’s hopes for Uganda’s first Commonwealth boxing medal since 1990.

At the time of stoppage, Abdul was trailing on all judges’ scorecards and had earlier received point deductions for punching after the break.