Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are plotting an ambitious course through the professional boxing ranks, with both undefeated Welsh fighters now backed by leading promotional outfit Matchroom Sport in their pursuit of British title glory. The identical 24-year-olds, who are just one minute apart in age, have already made impressive first fights for the London-based promotion this year, claiming victories in April before securing a long-term deal that is set to reshape their careers. Coached by former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now targeting the prospect of major title fights in the near future — and potentially delivering major promotional events back to Wales. Their progression from the GB amateur squad to the professional ranks has been defined by intense brotherly competition that keeps on push them on in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Professional Success

The Croft brothers’ journey into boxing as a profession originated from Pembrokeshire, where they initially cultivated their competitive instincts together. Developing as identical twins meant that rivalry was built into their very DNA, a characteristic that has proven invaluable in the sport. Their parents observed how the brothers motivated each other to perform well in everything they attempted, from schoolyard games to competitive amateur bouts. This natural competitiveness formed the basis upon which their professional endeavours would be built, with each success spurring the other to reach new levels.

The choice to leave the Great Britain amateur squad in 2024, just five months before the Paris Olympics, proved to be a defining moment in their careers. Having lost confidence in the GB Boxing system, Ioan and Garan took the decisive move of turning professional and moving to work under Anthony Crolla in Oldham. This decision demonstrated their dedication to forging their own path rather than pursuing the traditional amateur route. Since then, they have thrived in the professional ranks, securing their Matchroom debuts convincingly and establishing themselves as genuine title contenders within their respective weight divisions.

• Twin twins delivered one minute apart, both aged 24
• Left GB Boxing squad five months before the Paris Games
• Won pro debuts for the Matchroom stable in April 2026
• Trained by ex-WBA titleholder Anthony Crolla in Oldham

The Strategic Edge of Twin Partnership

The connection between Ioan and Garan Croft transcends the standard sibling dynamic. As identical twins parted by just one minute, they share an almost telepathic understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. This special understanding has proven to be a formidable advantage in their professional boxing careers, driving them to train more intensely during training and sparring. Whether running, pedalling assault bikes, or attempting vertical climbs, the brothers are caught up in a constant competition to outperform one another. Their parents have long acknowledged this natural competitive drive, and it continues as fierce today as it was during their childhood years.

The level of their rivalry at times requires separation during sparring sessions, as their desire to beat each other can escalate beyond the bounds of controlled training. Rather than regarding this as a limitation, both brothers acknowledge that having such a motivated training partner is an invaluable asset. The relentless pursuit for superiority translates directly into improved performance when facing opponents in the professional ring. Their rivalry structure ensures that neither brother can afford complacency, as the other is always striving to achieve greater success. This unceasing determination to surpass one another has become the engine powering both of their ascents through the professional ranks.

Learning as a Team, Fighting Apart

Although Ioan and Garan work out every day under Anthony Crolla’s close supervision at Fox ABC gym, their professional boxing careers will not see them facing each other across the ring. Ioan fights as a middleweight competitor whilst Garan operates at super-welterweight, ensuring their paths remain separate in competitive boxing. This arrangement allows them to maintain their working relationship without the difficulties that would arise from a direct confrontation. Their different weight divisions mean they can back one another’s goals without friction, each marking the other’s wins as mutual successes. The mutual respect and understanding between them provides psychological balance amidst the demanding pressures of boxing at professional level.

This separation in competition actually reinforces their bond significantly. Rather than competing for the same opportunities, Ioan and Garan can pursue distinct title paths whilst remaining each other’s closest confidant and sparring partner. Their coaches and promoters at Matchroom Sport acknowledge the value of this arrangement, understanding how the brothers’ partnership improves rather than complicates their development. Both have demonstrated their determination to return significant boxing events back to Wales, regarding their individual successes as stepping stones towards achieving this shared dream. Together, they represent not competition but complementary talents working towards a common goal.

Matchroom’s Platform and Welsh Aspirations

Signing with Matchroom Sport in early 2026 marked a turning point for Ioan and Garan Croft, transforming their professional prospects dramatically. The organisation, led by chairman Eddie Hearn, immediately identified the twins as “two very talented young fighters” worthy of investment. Both brothers achieved successful Matchroom debuts in April, with Ioan overcoming Serbia’s Novak Radulovic and Garan overcoming England’s Marco Simmonds. This backing from a leading boxing promotion company has provided the platform and visibility the twins had previously lacked, offering them a clear pathway towards championship bouts in the coming years.

The security of a long-term Matchroom deal has fundamentally altered the brothers’ outlook on their boxing careers. Previously, lacking this support, they encountered unpredictability after each fight, unsure what opportunities might emerge next. Now, supported by the promotion’s extensive resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can concentrate fully on their development and progression. Garan highlighted the value of this partnership, pointing out that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer wants to be” at the minute.” The prospects provided by the promotion extend far beyond individual title shots, covering the possibility of staging major boxing events in Wales itself.

• Both brothers claimed impressive Matchroom debuts in Manchester in April 2026
• Long-term deal creates clear pathway to British and European title possibilities
• Partnership provides avenue to bring major boxing events back to Wales

Reviving Boxing across Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their main objective transcends personal accolades and championship belts. They nurture a mutual vision of reinvigorating professional boxing in Wales by bringing significant events and major boxing events to their homeland. Garan outlined this ambition clearly, stating that bringing “big nights of boxing back to Wales” would represent “a dream come true.” With Matchroom’s backing and their own undeniable talents, the twins believe they command the means to achieve this objective. Their achievements at British title standard could serve as the impetus for positioning Wales as a premier destination for professional boxing once again.

Anthony Crolla’s Mentorship and Future Targets

The twins’ choice to turn professional in 2024 proved transformative, particularly when they trained under Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham. Crolla, a former WBA lightweight champion, brings invaluable experience to their corner, having competed at the highest level himself. Garan expressed unwavering confidence in their coach, describing him as “one of the finest trainers in the country at the minute.” The former champion’s presence provides far more than technical expertise; it offers mental support on fight nights, giving both brothers that crucial extra confidence when stepping through the ropes.

Having Crolla in their corner represents a tangible advantage that extends beyond the gym. His proven track record at the elite standard of competitive boxing means the twins gain from guidance built on genuine championship experience. Whether in training or on fight night itself, Crolla’s extensive expertise proves invaluable. Both Ioan and Garan understand that their mentor’s standing and accomplishments elevate their own prospects considerably. This mentor-athlete dynamic has become fundamental to their development strategy as they target British and European titles in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s immediate targets centre on landing UK title shots whilst preserving their unblemished records. With Crolla’s direction and Matchroom’s promotional infrastructure, a pathway to British titles appears increasingly realistic. The twins’ fighting spirit—refined by years of pushing each other in training—positions them well for the upcoming challenges, whether meeting proven opponents or up-and-coming challengers in their respective weight divisions.