Matchroom Boxing Signs Welsh Twin Prospects Ioan & Garan Croft

Cardiff, Wales – Matchroom Boxing has added two of the UK’s most promising young talents to its roster, signing Welsh twins Ioan and Garan Croft to long-term promotional deals. The announcement, made on February 12, 2026, signals a significant investment in Welsh boxing and a potential surge in interest for the sport within the region.

The Croft brothers, both 24, have rapidly ascended the professional ranks since turning pro. Ioan, the younger by a minute, captured gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games at welterweight, adding to a European Championships bronze medal earned earlier that year. Garan, competing one division above at super welterweight, secured a bronze at the Commonwealth Games and a silver at the European Championships.

While visually similar, the twins possess distinct boxing styles. Ioan is described as a slick southpaw counter-puncher, relying on timing and precision to dismantle opponents. Garan, boxing orthodox, is more aggressive, preferring to dictate the pace and pressure his adversaries. Both fighters currently boast unblemished 5-0 professional records, with a combined total of five stoppages between them.

Both Ioan and Garan are currently training under former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at Fox ABC in Manchester, a move that reflects their ambition to reach the highest levels of the sport. Crolla’s experience and guidance are expected to be instrumental in their development.

“It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom Boxing,” said Ioan Croft. “I’m grateful for the team around me who have made this possible. I want to bring big nights of boxing to Wales, and it’s time to show the world what I can do.”

Garan echoed his brother’s sentiments, stating, “My apprenticeship is almost over, very soon I’ll be challenging for titles. It’s time to make an impact on the 154lbs division. I can’t wait to get started under Matchroom Boxing.”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, highlighting the potential of the twins to become major stars in the boxing world. “I am pleased to welcome Ioan and Garan to the Matchroom Boxing team,” Hearn said. “With a legend in Anthony Crolla in their corner, they are two very talented young fighters who are eager to make their own names in the sport – and hopefully bring some major fight nights to Wales. I can’t wait to see them get up and running, as we look to map out an important 2026 for them both.”

The addition of the Croft twins strengthens Matchroom’s middleweight division, which already includes fighters like Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, George Liddard, and Jimmy Sains. The promotional deal with Matchroom, and the exposure on DAZN, provides a significant platform for the twins to showcase their skills and pursue championship aspirations.

The success of twin brothers in boxing is not unprecedented. The most recent example is Jermell and Jermall Charlo, who have both held world titles and achieved considerable acclaim. Jermell Charlo became undisputed super welterweight champion in 2022, while Jermall has reigned as champion at both super welterweight, and middleweight. Further back, Khaosai and Khaokor Galaxy were pioneers, becoming the first twins to simultaneously hold world championships, with Khaosai enjoying a seven-year reign as WBA super-flyweight champion and earning induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999, and Khaokor claiming two WBA bantamweight titles.

The Croft twins’ journey is just beginning, but their talent, dedication, and the backing of Matchroom Boxing position them for a promising future in the sport. Their story adds another compelling narrative to the ever-evolving landscape of professional boxing, and Welsh fans will undoubtedly be eager to witness their progress as they aim to make their mark on the global stage.