Update: Jon McConnell guarantees Ireland first medal at European Elites

Jon McConnell will try to win Ireland's first medal on Monday afternoon

Jon McConnell guaranteed a medal in Bulgaria on Monday afternoon. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher

Jon McConnell has guaranteed Team Ireland its first medal at the 2026 European Elite Championships in Sofia with a bruising 70kg quarter-final 3-2 split decision win over Italy’s Gabriele Guidi Rontani.

The Holy Trinity, Belfast boxer was made to work every step of the way to secure his place on the podium by an opponent who took to the front foot and made life immensely awkward with the intensity of his approach.