Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are mapping out an determined trajectory through the professional boxing ranks, with both undefeated Welsh fighters now supported by leading promotional outfit Matchroom Sport in their pursuit of British title glory. The twin 24-year-olds, who are just one minute apart in age, have already secured successful debuts for the London-based promotional outfit this year, winning fights in April before securing a long-term deal that promises to reshape their careers. Coached by former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now pursuing the prospect of major title fights in the near future — and potentially taking significant boxing events back to Wales. Their path from the GB amateur squad to the professional ranks has been defined by fierce sibling rivalry that keeps on drive them forward in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Professional Success

The Croft brothers’ route to boxing as a profession originated from Pembrokeshire, where they early on honed their desire to compete alongside one another. Being raised as identical twins resulted in rivalry was built into their very DNA, a characteristic that has served them exceptionally well in the sport. Their parents observed how the brothers motivated each other to succeed at everything they pursued, from schoolyard games to amateur boxing competitions. This natural competitiveness became the foundation upon which their professional careers would be established, with each victory driving 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 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 dedication to forging their own path rather than pursuing the traditional amateur route. Since then, they have flourished in the professional sphere, securing their Matchroom debuts convincingly and positioning themselves as genuine title contenders within their weight categories.

• Twin twins born 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 relationship between Ioan and Garan Croft goes well past the standard sibling dynamic. As twin brothers separated by merely one minute, they share an almost telepathic grasp of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. This distinctive bond has proven to be a formidable advantage in their boxing careers at the professional level, pushing them to push harder during training sessions and sparring rounds. Whether sprinting, cycling on assault bikes, or conquering vertical climbs, the brothers are locked in a perpetual battle to exceed one another. Their parents have long observed this inherent competitiveness, and it continues as strong today as it was in their younger years.

The intensity of their rivalry at times necessitates separation during sparring sessions, as their drive to outperform each other can exceed the bounds of regulated practice. Rather than regarding this as a drawback, both brothers recognise that having such a motivated training partner is an essential advantage. The relentless pursuit for superiority converts into improved results when facing opponents in the professional ring. Their competitive dynamic ensures that neither brother can afford to become complacent, as the other is always working towards greater success. This relentless drive to outdo each other has become the engine powering both of their progressions 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 careers in professional boxing will never see them facing each other across the ring. Ioan competes as a middleweight whilst Garan operates at super-welterweight, ensuring their separate paths in competitive boxing. This setup allows them to maintain their partnership without the complications that would arise from a direct confrontation. Their different weight divisions mean they can support one another’s ambitions without conflict, each marking the other’s victories as mutual successes. The reciprocal respect and comprehension between them provides emotional stability amidst the intense demands of professional boxing.

This division in competition actually reinforces their bond considerably. Rather than vying for the same opportunities, Ioan and Garan can pursue distinct title paths whilst staying each other’s closest confidant and sparring partner. Their coaches and promoters at Matchroom Sport acknowledge the value of this arrangement, seeing how the brothers’ partnership enhances rather than complicates their development. Both have expressed their determination to bring 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 unified objective.

Matchroom’s Platform and Welsh Ambitions

Signing with Matchroom Sport in early 2026 represented a watershed moment for Ioan and Garan Croft, revolutionising their career trajectory dramatically. The promotion, led by chairman Eddie Hearn, immediately recognised the twins as “two very talented young fighters” deserving of investment. Both brothers made successful Matchroom debuts in April, with Ioan defeating Serbia’s Novak Radulovic and Garan overcoming England’s Marco Simmonds. This backing from one of boxing’s most prominent promoters has provided the exposure and opportunities the twins had previously lacked, giving them a direct route towards championship bouts in the coming years.

The security of a extended Matchroom deal has fundamentally altered the brothers’ perspective on their boxing careers. Previously, lacking this support, they encountered unpredictability after each fight, unclear what opportunities might emerge next. Now, with the promotion’s resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can focus entirely on their improvement and progression. Garan emphasised the importance of this partnership, pointing out that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer aspires to be” at this time.” The prospects provided by the promotion extend far beyond individual title shots, encompassing the possibility of hosting major boxing events in Wales itself.

• Both brothers secured strong Matchroom debuts in Manchester during April 2026
• Extended deal offers clear pathway to European and British title opportunities
• Partnership provides avenue to bring prominent boxing events back to Wales

Restoring Boxing across Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their primary goal extends past personal accolades and championship belts. They harbour a shared dream of revitalising professional boxing in Wales by drawing top-tier promotions and significant fight nights to their homeland. Garan articulated this vision clearly, stating that bringing “big nights of boxing back to Wales” would represent “a dream come true.” With Matchroom’s backing and their own proven skills, the twins believe they have the means to realise this ambition. Their achievements at British title standard could serve as the catalyst for positioning Wales as a leading hub for professional boxing once again.

Anthony Crolla’s Guidance and Career Ambitions

The twins’ decision to turn professional in 2024 proved transformative, particularly when they secured training under Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC boxing club 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 finest trainers in the country right now.” The former 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 extends beyond the gym. His established credentials at the top tier of competitive boxing means the twins benefit from guidance forged through genuine title-fight credentials. Whether during training sessions or during competition, Crolla’s deep experience proves crucial. Both Ioan and Garan understand that their trainer’s reputation and accomplishments enhance their chances considerably. This mentorship dynamic has become central to their progression plan as they target European and British titles in future campaigns.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s near-term goals centre on obtaining home nation title chances whilst upholding their undefeated records. With Crolla’s guidance and Matchroom’s promotional engine, a pathway to British titles appears increasingly realistic. The twins’ competitive hunger—honed through years of pushing each other in sparring sessions—sets them up for the challenges ahead, whether meeting established contenders or emerging competitors in their separate weight classes.