Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are mapping out an ambitious course through the professional boxing ranks, with both undefeated Welsh fighters now partnered with 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 long-term deal that promises to reshape their careers. Trained by ex-WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now pursuing the prospect of major title fights in the years ahead — and possibly taking significant boxing events back to Wales. Their progression from the GB amateur squad to the professional game has been marked by fierce sibling rivalry that remains to motivate them in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Professional Success

The Croft brothers’ path to boxing as a profession began in Pembrokeshire, where they first developed their competitive drive with each other. Growing up as identical twins ensured that rivalry was woven into their very DNA, a characteristic that has proven invaluable in the sport. Their parents observed how the brothers motivated each other to excel in everything they attempted, from schoolyard games to amateur boxing. This inherent competitive nature served as the cornerstone upon which their professional careers would be built, with each success spurring 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 defining moment in their careers. Having lost trust 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 move demonstrated their commitment to forging their own path rather than pursuing the traditional amateur route. Since then, they have thrived in the professional ranks, winning their Matchroom debuts convincingly and positioning themselves as genuine championship prospects within their weight categories.

• Twin twins delivered one minute apart, both aged 24
• Left GB Boxing squad five months before Paris Olympics
• Won pro 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 transcends the typical sibling dynamic. As twin brothers parted by just one minute, they share an almost telepathic understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. 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 sessions and sparring rounds. Whether sprinting, pedalling assault bikes, or attempting 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 continues as strong today as it was throughout their childhood.

The intensity of their rivalry at times necessitates separation during sparring sessions, as their drive to outperform each other can escalate beyond the bounds of regulated practice. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, both brothers acknowledge 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 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.

Training Together, 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 never see them competing against one another across the ring. Ioan competes as a middleweight competitor whilst Garan operates at super-welterweight, ensuring their separate paths in competitive boxing. This setup enables them to preserve their partnership without the difficulties that would arise from a direct confrontation. Their separate weight classes mean they can support one another’s ambitions without conflict, each celebrating the other’s victories as shared triumphs. The mutual respect and comprehension between them provides emotional stability amidst the demanding pressures of professional boxing.

This division in competition actually reinforces their bond considerably. 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 recognise the value of this arrangement, seeing how the brothers’ partnership enhances rather than complicates their development. Both have demonstrated 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 Aspirations

Signing with Matchroom Sport in February 2026 marked a turning point for Ioan and Garan Croft, transforming their professional prospects dramatically. The organisation, led by chairman Eddie Hearn, immediately recognised the twins as “two very talented young fighters” worthy of investment. Both brothers achieved successful Matchroom debuts in April, with Ioan defeating 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 not previously enjoyed, giving them a direct route towards title opportunities in the coming years.

The security of a extended Matchroom deal has significantly changed the brothers’ approach on their boxing careers. Previously, lacking this support, they dealt with instability after each fight, unsure what opportunities might materialise next. Now, with the promotion’s resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can dedicate themselves on their growth and advancement. Garan stressed the significance of this partnership, noting that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer aspires to be” at present.” The opportunities offered by the promotion surpass 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 established pathway to European and British title possibilities
• Partnership provides opportunity to restore significant boxing events back to Wales

Rebuilding The Boxing Sport in Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their main objective transcends personal accolades and championship belts. They harbour a common aspiration of reinvigorating professional boxing in Wales by bringing significant events and significant fight nights 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 proven skills, the twins believe they possess the means to realise this ambition. Their victories at British title stage could serve as the driving force for cementing Wales as a leading hub for professional boxing once again.

Anthony Crolla’s Coaching and Upcoming Objectives

The twins’ choice to turn professional in 2024 proved pivotal, particularly when they trained 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 coach, 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 transcends the gym. His demonstrated success at the highest level of competitive boxing means the twins draw on guidance forged through genuine championship experience. Whether during training sessions or when competing, Crolla’s deep experience proves invaluable. Both Ioan and Garan acknowledge that their mentor’s standing and accomplishments enhance their chances considerably. This coaching relationship has become fundamental to their training approach as they aim for British and European titles over the next few years.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s immediate targets centre on securing 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 drive—honed through years of pushing each other in preparation—sets them up for the upcoming challenges, whether taking on proven opponents or up-and-coming challengers in their separate weight classes.