Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock prioritize Commonwealth Games over TV show
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 10:09 AM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock of Team Northern Ireland are set to compete in their first Commonwealth Games after opting out of participating in Love Island. They advanced through auditions for the reality show but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts with the Games. McConnell is scheduled to face India's Sumit Sumit in the light-middleweight division on July 27, while Rock will compete against Niue's Karen Te Ruki Pasene in welterweight on July 28. Both boxers expressed their desire to focus on their sporting careers instead of reality television.
- •McConnell and Rock chose the Commonwealth Games over Love Island.
- •Both boxers compete for the first time in the Commonwealth Games this summer.
- •McConnell faces India's Sumit Sumit on July 27.
- •Rock competes against Niue's Karen Te Ruki Pasene on July 28.
- •Both boxers value sports success over reality TV opportunities.
- 10:09 AMYahoo Sports — Boxers choose Commonwealths over Love Island chance
- 10:09 AMBBC Sport — Boxers choose Commonwealths over Love Island chance
"Team Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock talk about choosing the Commonwealth Games over potentially appearing on Love Island.
"Team Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock talk about choosing the Commonwealth Games over potentially appearing on Love Island.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 24, 2026, 10:09 AMBoxers choose Commonwealths over Love Island chance
Team Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock talk about choosing the Commonwealth Games over potentially appearing on Love Island.
- BBC SportJul 24, 2026, 10:09 AMBoxers choose Commonwealths over Love Island chance
Team Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock talk about choosing the Commonwealth Games over potentially appearing on Love Island.
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