Take a look at the full interview here – https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbDaUbZIBmq/
When Colin Jones arrives at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, it will mark another remarkable milestone in one of Welsh boxing’s most distinguished careers.
The Games will be Colin’s eighth Commonwealth Games in total, having previously attended three Youth Commonwealth Games and now preparing for his fifth senior Commonwealth Games. Since making his senior Commonwealth debut as assistant to National Coach Tony Williams at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, Colin has become an integral part of Welsh Boxing’s success on the international stage.
He has since coached at Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast 2018, Birmingham 2022, and now Glasgow 2026, helping Welsh Boxing achieve an outstanding 18 Commonwealth medals, including five gold medals.
One of the standout moments of Colin’s coaching career came at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where Welsh Boxing enjoyed its most successful Games to date. The team returned home with six medals, gold for Ioan Croft and Rosie Eccles, one silver and three bronze medals, marking the highest Commonwealth medal haul in the nation’s boxing history.
Colin’s commitment to Welsh Boxing stretches back far beyond the international arena. Having first become involved with the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association at just nine years old, he later enjoyed a successful professional career before returning to the amateur ranks to run Penyrheol Boxing Club and begin what has become more than two decades of service to Welsh Boxing’s performance programme.
Reflecting on that journey, Jones said:
“It’s been a long trip and a very enjoyable trip.”
As he prepares for another Commonwealth campaign, the excitement remains as strong as ever.
“This will be my eighth Commonwealth Games… and I’ve got to be honest, I’m enjoying this one as much as I did my first.”
For Colin, coaching has never simply been a job.
“It hasn’t been work for me. It’s been a pleasure.”
Speaking about the current Welsh squad, Colin praised the culture that has been built over the past four years.
“They’ve bonded well. They’ve got each other’s backs. Although it’s an individual sport, they’re working as a team… it’s important for that team environment to come through, and it has come through strong in this group.”
At 67, Colin says his passion for boxing burns as brightly as ever.
“I still love the game. I’m not old. I’m 67, I feel 27.”
While proud of what Welsh Boxing has achieved during his time with the programme, he remains focused on leaving the sport in an even stronger position by developing the next generation of coaches.
“I’d like to think when I do leave, it will be in a much better place than when I first came in.”
“I think I owe that to the sport.”
In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Colin was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to boxing in Wales.
Welsh Boxing Independent Chair Jason Harborow recognised Colin Jones’ contribution to Welsh Boxing ahead of his latest Commonwealth Games.
“Congratulations to Colin Jones as he prepares to attend his eighth Commonwealth Games (three Youth and five senior)—an extraordinary achievement and a testament to decades of dedication, excellence and service to Welsh boxing.
Colin is a true legend of our sport. His knowledge, passion and unwavering commitment to developing athletes have inspired generations of boxers and coaches alike. Just as importantly, he is a thoroughly decent person whose humility and integrity have earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working with him.
On behalf of Welsh Boxing, thank you for your outstanding contribution and congratulations on this incredible milestone. We wish you and the team every success at the Games. Cymru am byth!”
As Colin Jones prepares to lead another Welsh team onto the Commonwealth stage, everyone at Welsh Boxing wishes him and the squad every success in Glasgow.
We thank Colin for his many years of outstanding service to Welsh Boxing and look forward to seeing him at his eighth Commonwealth Games. Pob lwc, Colin and the team. Cymru am byth!