Northern Irish boxer Jon McConnell is one victory away from a Commonwealth Games medal after defeating India's Sumit Sumit in the 70kg quarter-finals in Glasgow. McConnell, 23, made headlines before the Games for turning down an opportunity to appear on the 13th season of Love Island.
McConnell focused on boxing despite Love Island attention
McConnell admitted he was surprised by the media attention surrounding his Love Island rejection. "I didn't expect [the attention] at all," he said. "Someone sent me the interview [about Love Island auditions] and I was a wee bit shocked. I didn't even know I said half of it. It was after a sparring session and with the adrenaline I was just saying different stuff."
Despite the distractions, McConnell remains focused on his boxing career. "Now I am just going along with it a bit; the lads were winding me up. But boxing comes first. Skills pay the bills," he added.
Tough victory over Sumit
McConnell had to come from behind to secure a 4-1 victory against Sumit. He was down early before producing a strong finish and had a point deducted during the bout. "I came from behind; from two rounds down basically," said McConnell. "I am proud of myself."
Having arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday, McConnell said the wait for his first contest tested his patience. "It was a long wait to be honest with you. It was really long. It has been a week. Every day felt the same: it was wake up, training, rest. It was getting a bit monotonous. This here is what I live for," he explained.
Tryagain Morning Ndevelo inspired by his name
In another bout, Namibia's Tryagain Morning Ndevelo booked his place in the quarter-finals of the men's 60kg competition with a unanimous points victory over Bangladesh's Md Ruhin Reza. Ndevelo, competing at his third Commonwealth Games, had received a walkover in the opening round after Trinidad and Tobago's Anthony Joseph failed to make the call time.
Ndevelo's unique name reflects his mother's philosophy. "My mother is my whole world," he said. "[Growing up], whenever I missed training or I was feeling down, I would be told: 'You don't have to miss training. Just show up. Even if you are not good, just show up.' She has always been behind me and that itself is the definition of my name."
After finally getting the opportunity to compete, Ndevelo expressed relief. "Today was nice. I'm glad that I got to go into the ring. Got to face somebody. I can see my level," he said. "A lot of hard work has gone into this. So at least I finally got a chance to practise what I have been learning. I was thinking: 'Am I really fine?' and 'Am I ready?' because I didn't get a taste. At least now I know. I don't feel tired. I have an extra level I can get to. I was excited to have him [Reza] at least show up."
Ndevelo's middle name, Morning, also carries significance. "Every day you wake up in the morning and you have the chance to do what you didn't do yesterday. That is why my middle name is Morning. Tuesday, Wednesday, whenever I fight again, I have the chance to better what I did here today. That's all from her, for giving me this name. Every time I feel low, I get up and try again," he said.
