Commonwealth Games: Seven Boxers Advance to Finals Whilst Three Bag Bronze

The penultimate day of boxing at the Commonwealth Games saw ten Team England athletes step through the ropes, all looking to upgrade their guaranteed medals and book their places in Saturday’s Finals.

Damar Thomas was first to secure his place in a gold medal bout, progressing automatically to the final after Northern Ireland’s William John McCartan withdrew from the competition through injury.

Lauren Mackie was next in action, producing a determined performance against Canada’s Scarlett Delgado in the Women’s Under 54kg Semi-Finals. Despite giving everything in the ring, Mackie narrowly missed out on a place in the gold medal decider after a 4-1 split decision went in favour of her opponent, meaning she leaves Glasgow with a well-earned bronze medal.

Speaking on her bout, the 20-year-old said: “It wasn’t my best performance. I left it too late in the rounds to pick up those judge’s points, but it’s been a good tournament overall. I’ve had four fights and each one it’s added to that experience I need for the long journey ahead.”

She continued: “Winning bronze, It means a lot. The Commonwealth Games is a great tournament to be a part of and to have a medal to take home with me is great. It’s just pick up these medals and keep going.”

Team England athlete Lauren Mackie in action.

Lucy Kings-Wheatley had to settle for bronze after falling short in a hard-fought Semi-Final against Priya Priya of India (which had a 5-0 defeat). The Acocks Green ABC boxer was visibly disappointed by the result but can take pride in another committed performance that earned her a place on the Commonwealth Games podium.

She said: “I’m gutted I lost. I tried my hardest and I’m proud of the performance. It’s good experience that I will take away forever. I knew she caught me with a few backhands so I wasn’t that confident I would win.”

Mary-Kate Smith was equally unfortunate to miss out on a place in tomorrow’s match, losing a fiercely contested Semi-Final by the narrowest of margins vs Emma-Sue Greentree (Australia). The bout finished 3-2 in favour of her opponent, with the commentators believing the decision could easily have gone the England boxer’s way. Smith nevertheless departs the Games with a deserved bronze medal.

The Shrewsbury-born athlete commented: “I’ve got very positive reflections on it. It was as close as it could be. I take my licks and I come back. There’s more things I need to refine and the hours I put in the gym will mean I come back the finished article. I’m only 22 and I’m only just getting started. I’ve not been around the game that long but I’m picking it up. One point from one judge in it and nobody would have complained if it went either way.”

England’s finalists continued to impress throughout the session, beginning with Sacha Hickey, who delivered one of the standout performances of the day. The talented boxer outclassed Australia’s Eve Bryson from the opening bell, producing a dominant display to claim a unanimous 5-0 victory and secure her place in the Women’s Under 65kg gold medal contest.

“It was great to get in there with my family watching and put on a performance in front of them. I’m over the moon.I’m confident about tomorrow (the Final) – I’m always confident. I back myself to win it, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Team England athlete Sacha Hickey competing.

Patris Mughalzai then booked his own place in the final after overcoming Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema in a highly competitive encounter. Following three closely contested rounds, the judges awarded Mughalzai a 4-1 split decision victory to keep his gold medal hopes alive.

Confident in his performance and ability, the Londoner said: “Another win, that’s four of four now. I’ve had tough, game kids coming at me and they were all quite similar. They were all strong, and all wanted to get in there and take me out. I knew I had to be clever, stick to the gameplan and listen to my coaches in the corner, and I did that to get the win. I’m in my rhythm, tomorrow will be my fifth fight, and I’m ready to put on a show in the finals. God willing, tomorrow it will be five out of five.”

Dimeji Shittu continued England’s winning momentum with a composed and confident display against Australia’s Paul Trainor. Taking control from the outset, Shittu showcased his technical ability and ring intelligence to earn a convincing 5-0 unanimous decision and progress to the Final.

He said: “I feel amazing. I’ve been working really hard with the coaches and my club coach back in my gym. When I’m enjoying it, loving it and feeling the vibe, that’s what brings out the best in me. I showed my class, showed my skill, and I’m so excited.”

Chantelle Reid from Derby goes up against Lakeisha Pergoliti of Australia at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Olympian Chantelle Reid also impressed, producing a superb performance to comfortably defeat Australia’s world number two Lekeisha Pergoliti in the women’s 70kg Semi-Final. After sealing her place in the gold medal bout, Reid looked ahead: “I’m just going to try to keep getting these wins in. It’s all good preparation for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.”

Heavyweight Isaac Okoh matched Reid’s dominance with a disciplined display against Scotland’s Robert McNulty. The 23-year-old silenced the home crowd in Glasgow by winning all three rounds before raising both gloves to his ears as he awaited confirmation of his unanimous victory. Okoh now joins Damar Thomas in Sunday’s heavyweight final, with both men set to battle for Commonwealth gold in their respective weight categories (Under 90kg and Over 90kg).

Speaking on his bout, Okoh said: “It was really important to get the first round out of the way, stick to the game plan, concentrate and don’t get dragged into the crowd. I did that effectively. He played to the crowd and I used that against him. I knew just get through the first round, and then from there it just got easier and easier as the minutes and rounds went on. I was able to pick him apart and 5-0, 5-0, 5-0.”

Rounding off another outstanding day for Team England, Ruby White produced a showstopping performance in her bout. Enjoying every moment under the lights, White forced a stoppage victory to book her place in the final and continue her impressive Commonwealth Games campaign.

Ruby White during her winning moment.

Reacting to her win, the youngster claimed: “There’s no secret, I just want it more than anyone. I put the hours in in the gym and I know when I get in that ring I know I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. I want it, the will in my heart is bigger than anybody’s. This medal, a gold medal would mean so much to me. It would start off my senior career and it would do amazing things for me as an athlete.”

Speaking on her opponent, Mischa Araes of Nambia, she said: “She’s made history and she’s a really good girl. The first Namibian woman to medal here is amazing. She’s so lovely and we had such a respectful fight. She came over and gave me a hug afterwards so congratulations to her, she did herself proud tonight.”

With seven boxers now through to Sunday’s gold medal bouts, Team England heads into the final day of competition full of confidence and with the opportunity to cap off a hugely successful boxing campaign with a haul of Commonwealth titles.

Keep up to date with everything Team England boxing-related at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games by visiting our dedicated webpage here.