England Boxers Equal Best Results With Seven Into Finals

England's boxing team matched their best Commonwealth Games performance by advancing seven fighters into Saturday's finals in Glasgow.

The squad equalled records set in 1986 and 2018 for the most finalists at a single Games, with standout performances from 19-year-old Ruby White and returning world bronze medallist Chantelle Reid. White extended her winning streak to 68 consecutive fights at senior level after stopping Australia's Mischa Araes in the second round, forcing two standing counts before the referee waved it off.

White Credits Steak For Success Ahead Of India Showdown

White faces India's Sakshi Chaudhary in the 51kg final at 16:30 BST Saturday, and the Dorset fighter revealed her pre-fight ritual. "I'm going to give my mum a big fat cuddle," she told the BBC. "And then I'm going to have an early night and get a steak before bed, that's my good luck charm."

Reid, who spent six years away from the ring with a degenerative back condition, dominated Australia's world number two Lekeisha Pergoliti in the 70kg semi-finals. The 28-year-old told TNT Sports she views the tournament as preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Isaac Okoh silenced the Scottish crowd by outpointing hometown fighter Robert McNulty in the heavyweight division, winning all three rounds. The 22-year-old raised both gloves to his ears at the final bell, waiting for his unanimous decision. "They have been hostile all week," Okoh said. "He got schooled."

England would need to sweep all seven finals to break their record of six gold medals from the 2018 Gold Coast Games. Sacha Hickey, Patris Mughalzai, Dimeji Shittu and Damar Thomas also advanced to Saturday's bouts, which run from 11:00 to 19:30 BST.

Source: bbc.co.uk