Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are plotting an bold path through the professional boxing ranks, with both undefeated Welsh fighters now supported by major promoter Matchroom Sport in their chase for British title glory. The twin 24-year-olds, who are just one minute apart in age, have already secured impressive first fights for the London-based promotion this year, winning fights in April before securing a long-term deal that promises to reshape their careers. Trained by former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now targeting the possibility of significant championship bouts in the near future — and potentially taking significant boxing events back to Wales. Their path from the Great Britain amateur squad to the professional game has been characterised by fierce sibling rivalry that keeps on motivate them in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Professional Achievement

The Croft brothers’ path to professional boxing originated from Pembrokeshire, where they first developed their competitive drive together. Growing up as identical twins ensured that rivalry was embedded in their very DNA, a characteristic that has served them exceptionally well in the sport. Their parents witnessed firsthand how the brothers pushed each other to succeed at everything they pursued, from schoolyard games to competitive amateur bouts. This innate drive to compete served as the cornerstone upon which their professional endeavours would be established, with each victory motivating the other to reach new levels.

The decision to depart from 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 decisive move of turning professional and moving to work under Anthony Crolla in Oldham. This decision demonstrated their commitment to forging their own path rather than following the traditional amateur route. Since then, they have flourished in the professional sphere, securing their Matchroom debuts convincingly and establishing themselves as genuine championship prospects within their respective weight divisions.

• Identical 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 former WBA champion Anthony Crolla in Oldham

The Competitive Advantage of Twin Partnership

The bond between Ioan and Garan Croft extends far beyond the standard relationship between siblings. As identical twins parted by just one minute, they possess an almost telepathic understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. This unique connection has become a significant edge in their boxing careers at the professional level, driving them to work harder during practice and sparring bouts. Whether running, using assault bikes, or conquering vertical climbs, the brothers are engaged in a endless struggle to exceed one another. Their parents have long observed this inherent competitiveness, 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 exceed the bounds of regulated practice. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, both brothers recognise that having such a motivated training partner is an invaluable asset. The relentless pursuit for superiority converts into improved results when facing opponents in the professional ring. Their rivalry structure ensures that neither brother can afford complacency, as the other is always working towards greater success. This unceasing determination to outdo each other has become the engine powering both of their progressions through the professional ranks.

Learning as a Team, Operating Separately

Although Ioan and Garan work out on a daily basis under Anthony Crolla’s watchful eye at Fox ABC gym, their careers in professional boxing will not see them facing each other across the ring. Ioan competes as a middleweight whilst Garan competes at super-welterweight, ensuring their paths remain separate in competitive boxing. This arrangement enables them to maintain their working relationship without the difficulties that would arise from a direct confrontation. Their different weight divisions mean they can support one another’s ambitions without friction, each marking the other’s wins as shared triumphs. The reciprocal respect and understanding between them offers psychological balance amidst the intense demands 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 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, seeing how the brothers’ partnership improves 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 unified objective.

Matchroom’s Platform alongside 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 identified the twins as “two very talented young fighters” worthy of investment. Both brothers made successful Matchroom debuts in April, with Ioan defeating Serbia’s Novak Radulovic and Garan defeating England’s Marco Simmonds. This backing from a leading boxing promotion company has provided the platform and visibility the twins had not previously enjoyed, giving them a clear pathway towards title opportunities in the coming years.

The security of a extended Matchroom deal has fundamentally altered the brothers’ outlook on their boxing careers. Previously, without such backing, they encountered unpredictability after each fight, unclear what opportunities might emerge next. Now, backed by the promotion’s resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can focus entirely on their growth and advancement. Garan highlighted the importance of this partnership, observing that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer aspires to be” at present.” The opportunities afforded by the promotion go well beyond individual title shots, including the possibility of organising major boxing events in Wales itself.

• Both brothers secured strong Matchroom debuts in Manchester during April 2026
• Extended deal provides clear pathway to British and European title opportunities
• Partnership delivers opportunity to restore major boxing events back to Wales

Restoring Boxing in Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their main objective transcends personal accolades and championship belts. They hold a mutual vision of restoring professional boxing in Wales by attracting top-tier promotions and substantial bouts 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 exceptional abilities, the twins believe they have the means to realise this ambition. Their victories at British title stage could serve as the catalyst for establishing Wales as a premier destination for professional boxing once again.

Anthony Crolla’s Coaching and Upcoming Objectives

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 extensive expertise 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 ex-champion’s presence provides far more than technical expertise; it offers psychological reassurance 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 transcends the gym. His demonstrated success at the elite standard of professional boxing means the twins benefit from guidance forged through genuine championship experience. Whether in training or when competing, Crolla’s deep experience proves invaluable. Both Ioan and Garan recognise that their mentor’s standing and accomplishments elevate their own prospects considerably. This mentor-athlete dynamic has become key to their progression plan as they aim for British and European titles in future campaigns.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s immediate targets focus on securing domestic title opportunities whilst upholding their unblemished records. With Crolla’s guidance and Matchroom’s promotional engine, a route to British titles looks increasingly attainable. The twins’ competitive hunger—refined by years of pushing each other in preparation—sets them up for the upcoming challenges, whether taking on established contenders or rising rivals in their respective weight divisions.