Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are mapping out an bold path through the professional boxing ranks, with both unbeaten Welsh fighters now supported by leading promotional outfit Matchroom Sport in their chase 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, winning fights in April before signing a extended contract that is set to reshape their careers. Coached by ex-WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now eyeing the possibility of major title fights in the years ahead — and potentially taking significant boxing events back to Wales. Their progression from the GB amateur squad to the professional ranks has been marked by fierce sibling rivalry that remains to drive them forward in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Career Excellence

The Croft brothers’ route to professional boxing originated from Pembrokeshire, where they early on honed their competitive drive together. Growing up as identical twins ensured 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 excel in everything they undertook, from schoolyard games to amateur boxing. This natural competitiveness formed the basis upon which their professional endeavours would be established, with each success motivating the other to attain higher achievements.

The decision 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 trust in the GB Boxing system, Ioan and Garan took the decisive move of turning professional and relocating to train under Anthony Crolla in Oldham. This decision demonstrated their commitment to forging their own path rather than pursuing the traditional amateur route. Since then, they have flourished in the professional sphere, winning their Matchroom debuts convincingly and establishing themselves as genuine championship prospects within their respective weight divisions.

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

The Competitive Benefit of Twin Partnership

The connection between Ioan and Garan Croft extends far beyond the typical relationship between siblings. As identical twins separated by merely one minute, they share an almost telepathic understanding of one another’s capabilities and limitations. This special understanding has become a significant edge in their professional boxing careers, pushing them to work harder during training sessions and sparring rounds. Whether sprinting, cycling on assault bikes, or attempting vertical climbs, the brothers are engaged in a endless struggle to outperform one another. Their parents have long acknowledged this innate rivalry, and it remains as strong today as it was throughout their childhood.

The intensity of their rivalry at times necessitates 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 constant push for superiority translates directly into improved performance when facing opponents in the professional ring. Their rivalry structure ensures that neither brother can afford to become complacent, as the other is always striving to achieve greater success. This relentless drive to outdo each other has become the engine powering both of their ascents through the professional ranks.

Training Together, Fighting Apart

Although Ioan and Garan train together every day under Anthony Crolla’s watchful eye at Fox ABC gym, their professional boxing careers will never see them facing each other across the ring. Ioan fights as a middleweight whilst Garan operates at super-welterweight division, ensuring their paths remain separate in competitive boxing. This setup allows them to maintain their working relationship without the complications that would emerge from a direct confrontation. Their different weight divisions mean they can support one another’s goals without friction, each celebrating the other’s victories as shared triumphs. The reciprocal respect and comprehension between them offers emotional stability amidst the intense demands of professional boxing.

This division in competition actually reinforces their bond significantly. 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, understanding 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 common dream. Together, they represent not competition but contrasting skills working towards a common goal.

Matchroom’s Platform and Welsh Ambitions

Signing with Matchroom Sport in February 2026 represented a watershed moment for Ioan and Garan Croft, transforming their professional prospects dramatically. The promotion, headed 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 one of boxing’s most prominent promoters has provided the exposure and opportunities the twins had not previously enjoyed, giving them a direct route towards title opportunities in the coming years.

The security of a long-term Matchroom deal has substantially transformed the brothers’ perspective on their boxing careers. Previously, in the absence of such backing, they dealt with instability after each fight, unsure what opportunities might materialise next. Now, backed by the promotion’s resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can dedicate themselves on their growth and advancement. Garan emphasised the significance of this partnership, noting that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer aspires to be” at the minute.” The prospects provided by the promotion go well beyond individual title shots, covering the possibility of organising major boxing events in Wales itself.

• Both brothers secured notable Matchroom debuts in Manchester during April 2026
• Long-term deal creates clear pathway to British and European title opportunities
• Partnership provides opportunity to restore prominent boxing events back to Wales

Reviving The Boxing Sport across Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their main objective transcends personal accolades and championship belts. They harbour a shared dream of restoring professional boxing in Wales by drawing significant events 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 command the means to realise this ambition. Their victories at British title stage 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’ choice to turn professional in 2024 proved pivotal, particularly when they secured training under Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC boxing club in Oldham. Crolla, a ex-WBA lightweight titleholder, 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 best coaches in the country at the minute.” The ex-champion’s presence provides far more than technical expertise; it offers mental support on fight nights, giving both brothers that vital additional confidence when stepping through the ropes.

Having Crolla in their corner represents a substantial advantage that transcends the gym. His established credentials at the highest level of professional boxing means the twins draw on guidance built on genuine championship experience. Whether during training sessions or during competition, Crolla’s deep experience proves essential. Both Ioan and Garan acknowledge that their mentor’s standing and accomplishments elevate their own prospects considerably. This mentorship dynamic has become key to their progression plan as they pursue British and European titles in future campaigns.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s immediate targets revolve around securing UK title shots whilst upholding their perfect records. With Crolla’s direction and Matchroom’s promotional machinery, a route to British titles appears increasingly realistic. The twins’ fighting spirit—developed via countless hours of pushing each other in sparring sessions—prepares them for the battles to come, whether facing seasoned rivals or emerging competitors in their individual weight categories.