Team Lesotho’s boxing squad produced a clean sweep on the men’s side on opening day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with all three men who entered the ring winning their Round of 32 contests.
Litšitso Letsunyane · Glasgow
Lesotho’s three male boxers, Mathealira Seholoholo, Pooana Khoahli and Refiloe Thai, all secured victories in their Round of 32 contests to advance to the Round of 16, giving Lesotho early momentum in Glasgow.
Three men, three victories
Seholoholo produced the standout moment of the opening day in the men’s 55kg division. Facing Northern Ireland’s Louis Rooney, he landed a right hand that sent his opponent to the canvas for a clean knockout victory. He will face Australia’s Jye Dixon in the Round of 16.
Khoahli turned in a commanding performance in the men’s 65kg category, controlling his bout against New Zealand’s De Niro Pao from start to finish. Using a sharp jab and superior ring management to dictate the contest across all three rounds, he claimed a unanimous 5-0 decision on the scorecards.
Thai completed the men’s clean sweep by overcoming Nigeria’s Ayomide Foly. Combining disciplined defence with effective counterpunching throughout, Thai earned a 4-0 decision to ensure Lesotho finished the day with a perfect record in the men’s competition.
Segoete breaks new ground
The women’s campaign opened on a difficult note. Realeboha Segoete became the first Mosotho female boxer to compete at the Commonwealth Games and showed determination throughout her contest. Despite her effort, Pakistan’s Zahra Fatima proved the stronger boxer and Segoete exited in the Round of 32.
What comes next
Attention now shifts to the remaining members of Team Lesotho’s boxing squad, scheduled to enter the ring today as they look to build on the encouraging start. The three victorious men are due back for their Round of 16 bouts either today or on Monday, 27 July, as preliminary rounds continue through the weekend. Should they advance, quarter-finals follow on Tuesday, 28 July and Wednesday, 29 July, semi-finals on Friday, 31 July, and the gold medal bouts on Saturday, 1 August.
Team Lesotho’s athletics squad begin their 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign on Monday, 27 July, when the country’s track and field athletes enter competition in Glasgow.
