KUALA LUMPUR: The grandson of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin is set to make one of the most intriguing appearances at the Commonwealth Games when heavyweight boxer Aziz Abdul steps into the ring in Glasgow.
Aziz, nicknamed "Ringo", will make his Commonwealth Games debut against England's Damar Thomas, embracing a family legacy that stretches beyond politics and into boxing.
His grandfather, who ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, was a national light-heavyweight boxing champion for almost a decade before becoming one of Africa's most notorious dictators.
Amin's regime was marked by widespread brutality, with an estimated 300,000 people believed to have been killed during his rule.
Despite the controversial legacy, the 25-year-old said his grandfather remains his greatest inspiration in the sport.
"I am very happy to be fighting the English fighter," Aziz told the media.
"My grandfather's achievements inspired me. He was a heavyweight boxer like me, and I am so proud of him. I am a real warrior. I am the son of the son.
"Nobody knows what is going to happen. As Mike Tyson said: 'Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.' Anything can happen in heavyweight boxing.
"Now we are not in Africa, we are in Europe. As my grandpa used to say, you need to win by knockout, so that's what we have trained for and that's what I hope to do.
"I believe in myself and I mean what I say. When I say I will do it, I will do it. Let them not doubt me. I am aiming for the gold medal."
""If I win the gold medal, I will be the baddest man in the Commonwealth, the baddest man in Glasgow, and the new King of Scotland."
Idi Amin was famously fascinated by Scotland, often wearing tartan kilts and playing the bagpipes.
He also styled himself as the "Conqueror of the British Empire", a title that reflected his penchant for grandiose rhetoric.
Aziz appears to have inherited some of that confidence, having declared before the Games that he intends to become the "new King of Scotland" as he bids for Commonwealth glory.
The Ugandan's remarks have added an unusual subplot to the boxing competition, with his family background and outspoken confidence ensuring plenty of attention ahead of his opening bout against Thomas.
