Watch: Terrifying one-punch knockout at CWG leaves boxer hanging through ropes
During the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Welsh boxer Orlando Holley-Sotomi secured a knockout victory against Lesotho's Refiloe Thai. The match was briefly halted as medical staff attended to Thai after he was knocked through the ropes.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the physical risks inherent in professional combat sports and the importance of immediate medical protocols at international sporting events.
A terrifying knockout at the 2026 Commonwealth Games left spectators stunned after Wales' Orlando Holley-Sotomi blasted Lesotho's Refiloe Thai through the ropes during their men's 70kg boxing quarterfinal, prompting an immediate medical response inside the ring.The frightening sequence unfolded just over a minute into the opening round when Holley-Sotomi unleashed a devastating right hand that landed flush on Thai's temple.The impact left the Lesotho boxer unable to defend himself as he collapsed through the ropes, creating one of the most dramatic and concerning moments of the Games so far.Terrifying knockout halts quarterfinalThe quarterfinal had begun at a frantic pace, with both boxers looking to establish control early. Thai started aggressively, but Holley-Sotomi gradually found his rhythm and began landing clean punches.The breakthrough came quickly.A powerful right hand caught Thai on the temple, instantly taking away his balance.
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