Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are charting an ambitious course through the professional boxing ranks, with both undefeated Welsh fighters now supported by leading promotional outfit Matchroom Sport in their quest for British title glory. The twin 24-year-olds, who are just one minute apart in age, have already achieved successful debuts for the London-based promotion this year, claiming victories in April before signing a multi-fight agreement that is set to reshape their careers. Working under former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now pursuing the possibility of significant championship bouts in the near future — and possibly delivering major promotional events back to Wales. Their path from the GB amateur squad to the professional game has been marked by intense brotherly competition that keeps on push them on in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Career Excellence

The Croft brothers’ path to professional boxing started in Pembrokeshire, where they initially cultivated their competitive instincts together. Being raised as identical twins meant that rivalry was embedded in their very DNA, a characteristic that has served them exceptionally well in the sport. Their parents saw directly how the brothers pushed each other to excel in everything they attempted, from schoolyard games to competitive amateur bouts. This inherent competitive nature served as the cornerstone upon which their professional endeavours would be constructed, with each victory spurring the other to achieve greater heights.

The choice to leave the Great Britain amateur squad in 2024, just five months before the Paris Olympics, proved to be a pivotal turning point in their careers. Having lost confidence in the GB Boxing system, Ioan and Garan took the bold step of turning professional and moving to work under Anthony Crolla in Oldham. This move demonstrated their commitment to charting their own course rather than following the traditional amateur route. Since then, they have flourished in the professional ranks, securing their Matchroom debuts convincingly and establishing themselves as genuine title contenders within their weight categories.

• Twin twins born one minute apart, both aged 24
• Left GB Boxing squad half a year before the Paris Games
• Won professional debuts for the Matchroom stable in April 2026
• Trained by former WBA champion Anthony Crolla in Oldham

The Strategic Edge of Twin Partnership

The connection between Ioan and Garan Croft goes well past the conventional sibling dynamic. As twin brothers parted by just one minute, they possess an almost telepathic awareness of one another’s capabilities and limitations. This special understanding has proven to be a significant edge in their boxing careers at the professional level, driving them to work harder during training and sparring. Whether running, cycling on assault bikes, or conquering vertical climbs, the brothers are caught up in a constant competition to outperform one another. Their parents have long recognised this innate rivalry, and it remains as fierce today as it was throughout their childhood.

The level of their rivalry occasionally necessitates separation throughout sparring sessions, as their desire to beat each other can escalate beyond the bounds of regulated practice. Rather than viewing this as a drawback, both brothers acknowledge that having such a driven sparring partner is an essential advantage. The constant push for superiority converts into improved performance when facing opponents in the professional ring. Their competitive dynamic ensures that neither brother can afford complacency, as the other is always striving to achieve greater success. This relentless drive to outdo each other has become the force driving both of their ascents through the professional ranks.

Training Together, Operating Separately

Although Ioan and Garan work out on a daily basis under Anthony Crolla’s watchful eye at Fox ABC gym, their professional boxing careers will not see them competing against one another across the ring. Ioan fights as a middleweight whilst Garan operates at super-welterweight division, guaranteeing their separate paths in competitive boxing. This setup allows them to preserve their working relationship without the difficulties that would emerge from a head-to-head clash. Their different weight divisions mean they can support one another’s goals without conflict, each celebrating the other’s victories as mutual successes. The mutual respect and understanding between them offers psychological balance amidst the demanding pressures of professional boxing.

This separation in competition actually reinforces their bond significantly. Rather than competing for the same opportunities, Ioan and Garan can chase distinct title paths whilst staying each other’s closest confidant and training partner. Their coaches and promoters at Matchroom Sport acknowledge the value of this arrangement, understanding how the brothers’ partnership enhances rather than complicates their development. Both have expressed their determination to return significant boxing events back to Wales, regarding their individual successes as stepping stones towards achieving this common dream. Together, they represent not competition but contrasting skills 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 promotion, led by chairman Eddie Hearn, immediately recognised the twins as “two very talented young fighters” deserving of investment. Both brothers achieved successful Matchroom debuts in April, with Ioan defeating Serbia’s Novak Radulovic and Garan defeating England’s Marco Simmonds. This backing from one of boxing’s most prominent promoters 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 extended Matchroom deal has significantly changed the brothers’ outlook on their boxing careers. Previously, in the absence of such backing, they encountered unpredictability after each fight, unsure what opportunities might materialise next. Now, with the promotion’s resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can concentrate fully on their development and progression. Garan stressed the significance of this partnership, noting that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer aspires to be” at this time.” The prospects provided by the promotion go well beyond individual title shots, covering the possibility of hosting major boxing events in Wales itself.

• Both brothers claimed impressive Matchroom debuts in Manchester during April 2026
• Extended deal offers clear pathway to British and European title possibilities
• Partnership offers opportunity to return major boxing events back to Wales

Reviving Boxing across Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their main objective extends past personal accolades and championship belts. They harbour a common aspiration of revitalising professional boxing in Wales by attracting major promotions and major boxing events to their homeland. Garan expressed this goal clearly, stating that bringing “big nights of boxing back to Wales” would represent “a dream come true.” With Matchroom’s backing and their own exceptional abilities, the twins believe they command the means to achieve this objective. Their achievements at British title standard could serve as the catalyst for positioning Wales as a top venue for professional boxing once again.

Anthony Crolla’s Coaching and Upcoming Objectives

The twins’ decision 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 extensive expertise to their corner, having competed at the highest level himself. Garan expressed complete faith in their mentor, describing him as “one of the best coaches in the country at the minute.” The ex-champion’s presence provides far more than technical expertise; it offers psychological reassurance on fight nights, giving both brothers that vital additional confidence when stepping through the ropes.

Having Crolla in their corner represents a tangible advantage that transcends the gym. His proven track record at the highest level of professional boxing means the twins gain from guidance shaped by genuine title-fight credentials. Whether during training sessions or when competing, Crolla’s extensive expertise proves invaluable. Both Ioan and Garan acknowledge that their mentor’s standing and accomplishments strengthen their position considerably. This coaching relationship has become fundamental to their development strategy as they aim for British and European titles in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s near-term goals focus on landing UK title shots whilst preserving their undefeated records. With Crolla’s direction and Matchroom’s promotional machinery, a track toward British titles looks increasingly attainable. The twins’ competitive hunger—honed through countless hours of pushing each other in preparation—positions them well for the upcoming challenges, whether taking on seasoned rivals or up-and-coming challengers in their individual weight categories.