Rosie Eccles to defend Commonwealth title but rules out LA Olympics
She says she’s stepping away from Olympic boxing to focus on one final shot at whose Commonwealth Games glory for Wales
Welsh boxer Rosie Eccles has announced her departure from the GB Boxing squad to set her sights on defending her light-middleweight title at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Eccles, 29, has decided not to pursue qualification for a second Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, citing the physical demands required for Olympic success.
She plans to continue training with the Welsh national team in Cardiff as she prepares for what would be her third Commonwealth Games appearance.
Eccles won gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and previously secured a silver on the Gold Coast in 2018.
Reflecting on her decision, Eccles said: “Chasing the Olympic dream has been my life.
But after eight incredible years, I’ve made the hardest decision of all, to stop chasing it and to leave GB Boxing.”
GB Boxing’s Performance Director, Rob McCracken, praised Eccles for her dedication and contributions to the team.
“Rosie has been a brilliant boxer for us who always gave her all and she is an absolute credit to herself, her family, GB Boxing and Welsh sport,” McCracken said.
Eccles has been part of the GB Boxing squad since 2018, after winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Despite injuries and disrupted qualification pathways during the Tokyo cycle, she achieved Olympic qualification and competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Eccles expressed gratitude for her time with GB Boxing and said she aims for one final competitive appearance under the Welsh flag before retiring.
“While I am leaving GB Boxing and the Olympic stage behind, I hope for one last dance before I retire from the sport altogether,” she said: “My goal is to compete one final time under the Welsh flag at the Commonwealth Games and bring home one last medal for my country.”