Welsh boxer Rosie Eccles has been grappling with the aftermath of her controversial exit from the Paris Olympics this summer, following a narrow split-decision loss to Poland’s Aneta Rygielska in the women’s 66kg category. Eccles, a determined and skilled athlete, maintained an aggressive stance throughout the three-round welterweight bout. After narrowly winning the first round on the judges’ scorecards, she was deemed second best to Rygielska in the subsequent rounds, despite the Pole being penalized in the third round for failing to keep her head up. The point deduction was not enough to shift the result in Eccles’ favor, leaving her Olympic campaign cut short without a medal.
Upon her return to Wales, Eccles expressed her appreciation for the unwavering support she has received from Welsh Boxing, noting that while the defeat still weighs heavily on her, she remains motivated to continue her journey in the sport.
“I’m probably still struggling, to be honest, with the way things turned out,” Eccles admitted. “It’s incredibly tough when you go out aiming for gold or at least a medal, only to return home empty-handed, especially given the circumstances. It was a hard pill to swallow.”
Despite the emotional toll, Eccles acknowledged that sometimes in sport, one’s opponent simply has a better day. However, she stressed that this was not the case in her bout against Rygielska. “I felt that I never really got going or had the chance to show my best. I wasn’t able to compete for a medal, let alone gold,” she said.
Eccles praised Welsh Boxing for its tremendous support during this difficult time, highlighting how much she has leaned on the organization as she processes the outcome of the Olympics. “The support I’ve had from Welsh Boxing has been incredible,” she said. “I’ve really struggled, but they’ve been there for me every step of the way.”
While former Olympic and Commonwealth champion Lauren Price made the transition to professional boxing after winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Eccles has no interest in following that path. Price has since become Wales’ first female world champion, but Eccles remains focused on her own goals, particularly as she sets her sights on the next Commonwealth Games.
“People have often asked if I’d consider going professional, especially given my style and the fact that I can punch,” Eccles revealed. “But I’ve only ever had two main dreams: the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.”
Despite initially feeling disillusioned after her Olympic loss, Eccles has found new determination. “I said I’d never put a glove on again, but now I’m not done yet,” she stated. Her new goal is to make Welsh boxing history by becoming the first boxer to win a third Commonwealth Games medal for Wales. “That will definitely be my last Commonwealth Games, but until then, I’ll keep going. If my body’s had enough, then it’s had enough, but if I can push it further, I will.”
Eccles admitted that retiring now, especially under these circumstances, would leave her with regrets. “If I walked away now, I’d always wonder ‘what if?’ It wouldn’t be a satisfying way to leave the sport. Even if things don’t go exactly as I hope, I just want to give a little bit more, especially for Wales.”
Looking beyond the Commonwealth Games, Eccles has not ruled out a return to the Olympic stage, although she acknowledges that the idea of competing in Los Angeles in 2028 feels distant and difficult to consider at this point. “Thinking about LA right now is too far ahead, and too painful,” she explained. “But in the world of sport, you never know what might happen. I’ll see what the future holds—it could be LA, or it might not.”
For now, Eccles plans to spend more time in Wales, reconnecting with her roots and regaining her passion for boxing. “I live away from home five days a week, and that’s been tough. I want to get back to loving the sport, to get healthy again, and then make decisions when I’m in a better place,” she said.
In addition to her personal goals, Eccles is also committed to helping the next generation of boxers in Wales and Great Britain. “It’s important to support those coming through the ranks. I want to play a bigger role in that and help guide the future of the sport.”
As Eccles continues her journey, the next edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2026 will provide her with the opportunity to chase her dreams once more. With boxing’s inclusion still to be confirmed, Eccles remains hopeful that she will have another chance to make her mark on Welsh boxing history.
