Jon McConnell won Commonwealth gold for Northern Ireland in the men’s 70kg boxing final, defeating Wales’ Orlando Holley-Sotomi by split decision in Glasgow. The 23-year-old had chosen the Games over a possible appearance on Love Island, and said the medal justified that decision as he looks to progress further in boxing.

McConnell recovered after a difficult opening round by changing tactics and landing cleaner shots in a closely contested bout. He had written down a prediction in December that he would win Commonwealth gold on 1 August 2026, fulfilling a goal he said he had held since childhood; his win was Northern Ireland’s only boxing gold and second gold medal of the Games.