Boxers choose Commonwealths over Love Island chance
Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock will both compete at their first Commonwealth Games
- Published
It could have been a very different summer for two members of Northern Ireland's 12-strong boxing team.
Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock will compete in this year's Commonwealth Games for the first time, but had progressed through the initial auditions for the latest series of Love Island before pulling out because the TV show clashes in timing with the Games.
McConnell, who competed at the recent World Boxing Cup in Brazil, will compete in the light-middleweight division and will face India's Sumit Sumit on Monday, with Holy Trinity's Rock in welterweight action against Niue's Karen Te Ruki Pasene the following day.
Reality TV show Love Island, hosted by Maya Jama, has just completed its 13th series in Mallorca.
"I used to spend a lot of time watching Love Island with the team," said 23-year-old McConnell.
"It was never really my idea at first, but Kaci mentioned it and said she'd put my name forward as well.
"I got through a few stages of the process but then I got selected for the Commonwealth Games."
I'd rather make my name in sport - Rock
Rock is aiming to follow in the footsteps of her dad, Jim Rock, the only boxer to have won Irish titles across four weights.
The 23-year-old is one of five boxers in the team that are one win away from a Commonwealth Games' medal.
"Me and Jon have been friends for years and I joked about going on it one day," Rock said.
"The two of us got to the same point but then we said, 'Oh God, it's too soon'. I'd rather make my name in sport than anything else."
Rock does not intend to audition for the TV show again next year, but McConnell did not rule out making an appearance.
"If they want to give me a call after I've won a gold medal, they're welcome," said McConnell.
"Maybe I'll be standing on the podium with my medal around my neck and they can reach out to me then."
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