Jon McConnell heads to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on the back of a hugely successful season that saw the Holy Trinity Boxing Club boxer crowned Irish Elite Champion at 70kg. Having firmly established himself among the country’s leading amateurs, the Belfast fighter will now represent Northern Ireland on one of the biggest stages in amateur boxing as he bids to add Commonwealth gold to an already outstanding year.
For McConnell, the opportunity is about much more than stepping into the ring—it is the fulfilment of a dream that has been years in the making.
“It is a huge honour to finally represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “It feels like it has been a long time coming. I remember watching the Games as a kid and then missing out on selection for the last one.”
“It’s a massive event with so much attention on it. I’m very proud to be representing myself, my family and my club on the world stage. I can’t wait to walk out in that vest with the fans there and experience the atmosphere.”
Confidence Built Through Hard Work
The men’s 70kg division is expected to be one of the most competitive weight classes in Glasgow, featuring high-quality boxers from across the Commonwealth. While many athletes might be focused on potential opponents, McConnell’s mindset is refreshingly simple.
“Seventy kilos is stacked everywhere in the world, even domestically,” he explained. “You only have to look at the rankings to see how competitive it is internationally.
“But to be honest, I think my hardest opponent is myself. If I’m on my A-game and performing at 100 per cent, I don’t think anyone can beat me.”
That confidence comes from the work he has put in behind the scenes. McConnell believes he has reached new levels in training as he prepares for the biggest challenge of his career.
“I’ve never been this focused heading into a tournament. I’ve pushed myself to limits I didn’t even know I could reach. I don’t care who I fight, where I fight, who they’re coached by or anything like that. None of it bothers me.
“I believe this tournament is my chance to move into that next bracket of world-class fighters at my weight. My biggest opponent is myself because I still haven’t reached my full potential. On a stage like this, people are going to see the best version of me.”
One Goal: Gold
For many athletes, standing on the Commonwealth Games podium would represent a career-defining achievement. For McConnell, however, there is only one result that will satisfy him.
“My only goal is to win the whole thing. It’s the gold medal.”
Those words perfectly capture the ambition that has driven the Holy Trinity boxer throughout his career.
“This is my career. This is my life. I don’t push myself this hard, live the lifestyle and miss out on family events just to take part or settle for a medal.
“For me, success is only standing on the top of that podium with the gold medal around my neck.”
McConnell believes Glasgow could be the tournament that elevates him onto the international stage.
“I really feel I’m going to be the talk of the tournament. After these Commonwealth Games, people are going to be saying Jon McConnell a lot more.”
A Champion Ready for the Next Step
Having already claimed Irish championship honours in 2026, Jon McConnell now heads to Glasgow carrying not only the hopes of Northern Ireland but also the pride of Holy Trinity Boxing Club and the Belfast boxing community.
His confidence is unmistakable, his preparation has been relentless, and his ambitions could not be clearer.
For Jon McConnell, Glasgow is not about gaining experience—it is about proving that he belongs among the very best in the world.
If his performances match the belief he carries into the tournament, the 23-year-old Irish champion could leave Scotland with exactly what he has set his sights on from the very beginning: Commonwealth Games gold.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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