Croft twins Ioan and Garan begin pro careers with statement wins in Waterford

Twins Ioan and Garan Croft claimed stylish first-round stoppage victories on their professional debuts at the SETU Arena in Waterford, Republic of Ireland, on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old pair from Crymych in Wales parted company with Team GB’s amateur boxing programme in February 2024 after changes to weight classes they disagreed with.

Ioan faced Poland’s Bartosz Glowacki, 33, in a middleweight contest over four rounds, serenaded into the ring to strains of ‘Delilah’ from a strong travelling support who had braved Storm Darragh to cross the Irish Sea.

Both men fought out of a southpaw stance but Commonwealth gold medallist Ioan quickly showed greater speed and power, using his superior reach to catch Glowacki.

As the Pole’s guard dropped, his Welsh opponent repeatedly caught Glowacki with left hands to the head, then switching his jab to throw in punishing right hooks.

With very little coming back from Glowacki, the referee stepped in to end the contest with five seconds of the first round remaining.

Brother Garan, who has a Commonwealth bronze and European silver to his name, wrapped up his debut pro win in even quicker fashion against 30-year-old Ermin Sali, stopping the Croatian in just 15 seconds.

Also fighting at middleweight but in an orthodox style, Garan prodded out half-a-dozen jabs before unleashing two haymaker right hands over the top in quick succession that flattened Sali.

The referee did not give the Croatian time to beat the count before waving the fight off despite Sali then wobbling to his feet. He and his corner protested the early end to the contest, but the victory went to the Welshman.

After a perfect night in Waterford, the brothers will now return to Manchester’s FOX ABC gym under the tutelage of former world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla to continue their professional journey.