Q&A: Chris Connelly on leading boxing squad at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

England Boxing Head of Performance Chris Connelly will lead Team England’s boxers as Team Leader at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Ahead of the squad announcement, Connelly discusses his role, the athletes selected and his hopes for the Games.

What does the role of Boxing Team Leader look like before and during a Commonwealth Games campaign?

“The role starts long before we get to Glasgow. It’s about bringing together everyone involved in the performance programme to make sure our athletes have everything they need to succeed. We’ve also worked hand in hand with the Team England team throughout the build-up.

“Their professionalism, support and attention to detail have been outstanding, helping us prepare for every eventuality, and I’m sure they’ll be just as important once the Games begin.

“Once we’re at the Games, my focus is on making sure that the environment stays right. I want our athletes to feel confident, prepared and supported so they can go into the ring, express themselves and perform at their very best. If we’ve done our job well behind the scenes, the athletes can focus solely on boxing.”

What do you expect to be the biggest challenges of leading a boxing team at a major multi-sport event like the Commonwealth Games?

“For me, the biggest challenge is making sure the environment is right for every individual athlete. A Commonwealth Games is very different to a standalone boxing event. There are more distractions, more pressure and a lot more going on around the athletes.

“Our job is to create an environment where they can enjoy the experience, stay focused and express themselves in the ring. If they’re relaxed, confident and enjoying the occasion, they’re far more likely to produce the performances they’re capable of. It’s about managing the pressure without taking away the excitement of representing England on one of the biggest stages in sport.”

What qualities have you seen in this England team that give you confidence heading into the Games?

“This squad has a fantastic blend of experience and energy. We’ve got athletes who know what it takes to perform on the biggest stages alongside exciting young talent who are hungry to make their mark.

“It’s an incredibly diverse, fresh and powerful team. The quality is obvious, but what gives me the most confidence is the standards they set for themselves every day. They’re driven, committed and clearly proud to represent England.

“Behind them, we’ve got an outstanding coaching team and sports science and medicine staff who work tirelessly to give every boxer the best possible opportunity to succeed. It’s a genuine team effort, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”

What would success look like for England at these Commonwealth Games?

“Ultimately, success is medals. We set high standards because we know the talent we have, and with the quality in this squad, we want to be competing at the very top of the medal table. That’s no small task, though; there are some incredibly strong boxing nations at these Games, with world-class athletes and medal contenders coming from all over the world.

“But for me, success is measured by more than the medal tally. If our athletes go out there, enjoy the experience, box with freedom and perform to their potential, then I believe the results will follow.

“Success would also be seeing everyone connected to England Boxing feel like they’re part of what we’re achieving. Every athlete standing in an England vest is the product of years of work in boxing gyms across the country. Behind every boxer are parents who’ve made sacrifices, volunteer coaches who’ve opened the gym after work, clubs who’ve created opportunities, and countless people who’ve given their time because they believe in our sport.

“If those people are sitting at home watching the Games and feel a sense of pride because they realise, “I played a part in making this happen,” then that’s success too. Our athletes may be the ones stepping into the ring, but they’re carrying every club, coach, volunteer and family member who helped them get there. That’s what makes England Boxing so special, and that’s the legacy we want to continue building.”

Looking ahead to the Games, what are your hopes for the team and the athletes involved?

“First and foremost, I want every athlete to leave the Games proud of what they’ve achieved and proud of how they’ve represented England. Wearing the English Lions on your chest is a huge honour, and I want every boxer to embrace that responsibility and the legacy that comes with it.

“I hope this team goes out there and genuinely enjoys the experience. Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, and while there will always be pressure and expectation, I want our athletes to embrace every moment of it. If they can enjoy themselves, trust their preparation and express themselves in the ring, I genuinely believe we’ll see the very best version of every boxer.

“England has a rich tradition of success in boxing, and it’s important that we continue building on that legacy for the next generation. I want this team to inspire young boxers across the country to dream of one day wearing the England vest themselves.

“Hopefully, a few days before we step into the ring, the footballers will have lifted the World Cup wearing the Three Lions. It would be a fantastic moment for English sport, and we’d love nothing more than to carry that momentum into the Commonwealth Games by making the nation proud in the boxing ring as well.

“Our aim is to represent our three lions with pride, compete fearlessly, enjoy the experience and continue England’s tradition as one of the world’s great boxing nations.”

You can keep up to date with England’s progress at the Commonwealth Games by clicking here.

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