Our Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games preview series continues with a look at Team Wales, who head to Scotland with a talented seven-strong boxing squad capable of challenging for medals across several weight divisions.
The Welsh team combines proven international performers with exciting emerging talent. Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rosie Eccles returns looking to add another major title to her collection, while bronze medallist Owain Harris Allan is determined to climb two places higher on the podium. They are joined by Conor Williams, Orlando Holley Sotomi, Daniel Pitt, Helen Jones and Niamh Brooker, giving Wales a balanced squad packed with ambition and quality.
Ahead of the Games, three members of the team—Conor Williams, Owain Harris Allan and Orlando Holley Sotomi—spoke to us about what it means to represent Wales, their medal ambitions and the challenges awaiting them in Glasgow.
Conor Williams (90kg)
Premier ABC’s Conor Williams has been working towards this moment ever since the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games came to an end. Four years later, that dream has become reality, with the 90kg boxer earning his place in the Welsh squad and the opportunity to proudly wear the Welsh dragon on his chest at one of amateur boxing’s biggest events.
“It means so much to be selected for the Games. I’ve thought about going since the last Games and made it happen. It’s a special feeling.”
The heavyweight division is expected to be fiercely competitive, but Williams already has a score to settle. Earlier this year he was edged out in a closely contested bout by India’s Kapil Pkhariya, and the Welshman hopes Glasgow will provide the opportunity for revenge.
“I recently fought India. I lost but it was close, but the shape I’m in going to the Games I can’t wait to get revenge.”
Should the pair meet again, it promises to be one of the standout contests of the tournament.
Williams is travelling to Glasgow with clear objectives.
“Personal goals? Minimum a medal—and gold is what I want.”
His confidence reflects the work he has put in during preparation, and he believes he has the tools to challenge the very best in the Commonwealth.
Owain Harris Allan (60kg)
At just 22 years of age, Owain Harris Allan already has plenty of international experience and could well be Wales’ leading medal hope.
The Apollos ABC boxer returns for his second Commonwealth Games after winning bronze in Birmingham in 2022. Since then, he has continued to develop into one of Britain’s leading amateur lightweights and is now a member of the GB Boxing Podium Squad.
His preparations for Glasgow could hardly have gone better after winning gold at the prestigious 2026 István Bocskai Memorial Tournament in Hungary, a result that underlined his growing reputation on the international stage.
Representing Wales remains a source of enormous pride.
“To box for Wales on the international stage is a great achievement. And to box in my second Commonwealth Games means the world to me. I am ready to go and showcase my skills on the big stage.”
He knows the challenge ahead in one of the deepest divisions of the tournament.
“60kg is ram packed. There are top quality boys from around the globe. The kids from England, Ireland, the Indian and the Canadian boy are good fighters.”
Having claimed bronze four years ago, Harris Allan has only one target this time around.
“In 2022 I got a bronze, this time I am looking for gold and only gold. But I don’t feel pressure. Pressure is for diamonds, and I am ready for it.”
With his experience, confidence and recent form, many will see Harris Allan as Wales’ strongest candidate to stand on top of the Commonwealth podium.
Orlando Holley Sotomi (70kg)
Former rugby player Orlando Holley Sotomi will make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow after earning selection for Team Wales in the highly competitive 70kg division.
Boxing out of St Joseph’s East Gym, Sotomi has built valuable international experience throughout 2026, competing in several elite multi-nation tournaments across Europe, including the prestigious Strandja Cup in Bulgaria, as part of his preparations for Glasgow.
For the Welshman, representing his country means everything.
“It means a lot to me to represent Team Wales. It’s a huge opportunity. Having that Welsh dragon on your chest is special; it can’t really be put into words what it really means. I am more than ready for it.”
He believes his busy international schedule has been the ideal build-up.
“Yeah, I have had a busy year so far. I’ve boxed in the highest-level tournaments in Europe. It has been ideal preparation and I have another camp in Sheffield next week. It’s been great.”
Sotomi expects the 70kg division to be one of the toughest in the tournament following the changes to the international weight categories.
“70kg is packed. With the Olympic weights now and no 75kg, it has made everything more competitive. I’m a natural 75kg fighter, so I have to work hard to cut that extra weight. There are some really good boxers at 70kg, but I am more than ready for whoever is put in front of me.”
Like his Welsh teammates, Sotomi has one goal in Glasgow.
“My goal in the Games is that I am going for gold. As long as I keep my head down and I am prepared each day, that is the main thing—but I am 100% going for gold.”
Welsh Eyes on the Podium
Although Team Wales numbers just seven boxers, there is genuine optimism surrounding the squad.
Rosie Eccles returns as a Commonwealth champion looking to defend her status, while Owain Harris Allan arrives in career-best form after his tournament victory in Hungary. Conor Williams heads to Scotland with revenge on his mind and genuine medal ambitions, Orlando Holley Sotomi has the opportunity to announce himself on the international stage, and Daniel Pitt, Helen Jones and Niamh Brooker complete a squad capable of producing several memorable performances.
If they can reproduce the form they have shown over the past 12 months, there is every reason to believe the Welsh dragon could once again feature prominently on the medal table in Glasgow.
Our Glasgow 2026 preview series continues over the coming days with more exclusive interviews, features and analysis as the countdown to the opening bell gathers pace.
Leave a comment