England’s Lucy Kings-Wheatley Ends Josefien Betist’s Commonwealth Games Medal Bid.

Glasgow, Scotland – Sierra Leone’s medal hopes in the women’s 60kg boxing event came to an end after Josefien Betist suffered a narrow split-decision defeat to England’s Lucy Kings-Wheatley at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

In a closely contested bout, Kings-Wheatley battled back from a point deduction in the second round to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory on the judges’ scorecards, advancing to the semi-finals.

Despite the disappointment, Betist remained gracious in defeat and thanked Sierra Leoneans for their support.

“I fought with every strength hoping to win a medal for Sierra Leone, but the judges’ split decision didn’t go my way. I respect that. I now turn my attention to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” she said.

The result ends Sierra Leone’s hopes of a boxing medal at the Games, while Kings-Wheatley moves on to face India’s Priya Ghanghas in the women’s 60kg semi-final on Friday, 31 July, with a place in the final at stake.

Although Betist’s campaign ended short of the podium, her determination and fighting spirit have earned praise as she now shifts her focus to future international competitions and her Olympic ambitions.