WATCH: Scary first-round knockout at CWG 2026 leaves boxer hanging over ropes

Medical personnel rushed into the ring within seconds to attend to injured boxer Refiloe Thai. (Download Video) A terrifying knockout at the 2026 Commonwealth Games left spectators stunned after Welshman Orlando Holley-Sotomi blasted Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai through the ropes during the men’s 70kg boxing quarter-final, prompting an immediate medical response in the ring.A terrifying sequence unfolded just over a minute into the opening round when Holley-Sotomi unleashed a devastating right hand that landed on the Thai’s temple.The impact left the Lesotho boxer unable to defend himself as he crashed through the ropes, creating one of the most dramatic and exciting moments of the Games.

A terrifying knockout punctuates the quarterfinals

The quarterfinals started at a frantic pace with both boxers looking to gain control early. The Thai started aggressively, but Holley-Sotomi gradually found his rhythm and started landing clean punches.The breakthrough came quickly.A powerful right hand caught the Thai in the temple and immediately took his balance. When the Welsh boxer followed with a left hand, the Thai crashed through the ropes and ended up partially supported by the bottom rope as he lay motionless.Medical personnel ran into the ring within seconds to attend to the injured boxer before carefully moving him back into the ring for treatment.Fortunately, the Thai soon showed encouraging signs by attempting to sit up as doctors continued their assessment, allaying fears after the alarming scenes.The referee immediately stopped the bout and awarded Holley-Sotomi a first-round knockout victory.WATCH:

Holley-Sotomi is assured of a medal

While concerns remained focused on the Thai’s condition, the win marked another impressive milestone for the 22-year-old Welsh boxer.Holley-Sotomi impressed earlier in the tournament when he defeated Paddy Hewitt in his opening bout. His emphatic knockout victory now sends him into the semi-finals and secures him at least a bronze medal.Despite his eye-catching performances, the Welsh prospect insisted he remains grounded.“I take it every day and I take it all. I’m grateful to be here and yes, I hope to get there again and again. No one can afford to overlook me, no one is popular here,” he said.The spectacular stoppage has already drawn comparisons with some of boxing’s most memorable one-punch knockouts, underscoring Holley-Sotomi’s growing reputation as one of the breakout stars of the Glasgow Games.