Welsh Twin Boxers Chase British Title Glory Together

Twin brothers Ioan and Garan Croft are plotting an bold path through professional boxing, with both unbeaten Welsh fighters now backed 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 promotional outfit this year, winning fights in April before signing a multi-fight agreement that is set to reshape their careers. Coached by ex-WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at Fox ABC gym in Oldham, the brothers are now pursuing the chance of major title fights in the coming years — and potentially taking major boxing occasions back to Wales. Their path from the GB amateur squad to the professional game has been marked by fierce sibling rivalry that continues to drive them forward in the gym.

From Pembrokeshire to Professional Success

The Croft brothers’ journey into professional boxing began in Pembrokeshire, where they early on honed their desire to compete with each other. Developing 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 observed how the brothers motivated each other to excel in everything they undertook, from schoolyard games to competitive amateur bouts. This innate drive to compete became the foundation upon which their careers as professionals would be constructed, with each win driving the other to reach new levels.

The choice 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 bold step of turning professional and relocating to train 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 flourished in the professional sphere, securing their Matchroom debuts convincingly and positioning themselves as genuine title contenders within their weight categories.

• Identical twins delivered one minute apart, both aged 24
• Left GB Boxing squad half a year before Paris Olympics
• Won pro debuts for Matchroom in April 2026
• Trained by ex-WBA titleholder Anthony Crolla in Oldham

The Competitive Advantage of Twin Partnership

The connection between Ioan and Garan Croft extends far beyond the standard sibling dynamic. As identical twins parted by just one minute, they share an near-instinctive understanding of each other’s capabilities and limitations. This unique connection has proven to be a powerful asset in their boxing careers at the professional level, pushing them to push harder during training and sparring. Whether sprinting, using assault bikes, or attempting vertical climbs, the brothers are engaged in a perpetual battle to outperform one another. Their parents have long observed this innate rivalry, and it stays as strong today as it was in their younger years.

The intensity of their rivalry at times requires separation during sparring sessions, as their desire to beat each other can exceed the bounds of controlled training. Rather than regarding this as a limitation, both brothers acknowledge that having such a driven sparring partner is an invaluable asset. The constant push 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 force driving both of their ascents 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 fights as a middleweight competitor whilst Garan competes at super-welterweight, ensuring their separate paths in competitive boxing. This setup allows them to maintain their working relationship without the complications that would arise from a direct confrontation. Their separate weight classes mean they can back one another’s ambitions without conflict, each celebrating the other’s wins as mutual successes. The mutual respect and comprehension between them provides psychological balance amidst the demanding pressures of boxing at professional level.

This separation in competition actually strengthens their bond significantly. Rather than competing 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 recognise 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, viewing their individual successes as stepping stones towards achieving this common 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 February 2026 marked a turning point for Ioan and Garan Croft, transforming their professional prospects dramatically. The promotion, headed 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 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 years ahead.

The security of a extended Matchroom deal has substantially transformed the brothers’ approach on their boxing careers. Previously, without such backing, they faced uncertainty after each fight, unsure what opportunities might materialise next. Now, backed by the promotion’s resources and reach behind them, Ioan and Garan can concentrate fully on their improvement and progression. Garan highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that Matchroom represents where “any young boxer wishes to compete” at present.” The prospects provided by the promotion extend far beyond individual title shots, covering the possibility of hosting major boxing events in Wales itself.

• Both brothers secured impressive Matchroom debuts in Manchester in April 2026
• Long-term deal provides clear pathway to British and European title chances
• Partnership delivers opportunity to return prominent boxing events back to Wales

Restoring The Boxing Sport in Wales

For both Ioan and Garan, their main objective extends past personal accolades and championship belts. They harbour a shared dream of revitalising professional boxing in Wales by attracting significant events and substantial bouts 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 undeniable talents, the twins believe they command the means to achieve this objective. Their success at British title level could serve as the catalyst for establishing Wales as a top venue 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 secured training under Anthony Crolla at the Fox ABC gym in Oldham. Crolla, a ex-WBA lightweight titleholder, brings invaluable experience 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 at the minute.” The former champion’s presence provides 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 extends beyond the gym. His proven track record at the top tier of professional boxing means the twins gain from guidance built on genuine title-fight credentials. Whether in training or on fight night itself, Crolla’s extensive expertise proves invaluable. Both Ioan and Garan recognise that their trainer’s reputation and accomplishments strengthen their position considerably. This mentor-athlete dynamic has become fundamental to their training approach as they pursue European and British titles in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Ioan and Garan’s immediate targets centre on landing UK title shots whilst preserving their perfect records. With Crolla’s direction and Matchroom’s promotional engine, a pathway to British titles looks increasingly attainable. The twins’ fighting spirit—refined by countless hours of pushing each other in training—prepares them for the upcoming challenges, whether taking on seasoned rivals or rising rivals in their individual weight categories.