Team Northern Ireland boxer Jon McConnell turned down a spot on Love Island to pursue his childhood dream of Commonwealth gold — and succeeded with a split decision win over Wales' Orlando Holley-Sotomi in the men's 70kg final. The 23-year-old had written the date of his victory on 28 December last year, a goal he'd held since age eight or nine. "I boxed well. He caught me in the first round and it stung me a bit, woke me up and we changed the tactics," he said.

The victory brings NI's one and only boxing gold and their second overall after Kate O'Connor's heptathlon win. McConnell joked that being in "not bad company" and vowed to push on for bigger things. The boxing team enjoyed a successful Games with half of the 12-strong squad winning a medal, including Michaela Walsh and Kaci Rock with silver and Willie John McCartan, Garyn McAllister and Jude Gallagher with bronze.