Talented Welsh prospects Ioan and Garan Croft continued their unbeaten starts to their pro careers with clinical stoppage victories in Cardiff on Saturday night.
Garan got the second stoppage win of his career in the second round of his contest against journeyman Steven Wallace to move to 3-0.
Ioan, a Commonwealth gold medalist made it back to back first round stoppage victories extending his record to 2-0 against Dmitri Protkunas of Poland.
The Crymych Klitschko’s made the switch to the professional ranks having made the decision to leave the Team GB setup, giving up their dreams of making it to the Olympic Games after being told that only one of them could be selected.
Garan Croft on Team GB disappointment and adapting to pro life
Speaking on the decision to give up their amateur path to turn over Garan said; “I just think for us we were physically and mentally in the right place to turn over.”
“I was much happier leaving, but i’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a dream to go to the Olympic Games, that’s all me and my brother wanted as kids. It got to the point where it would only be one of us, a few other things were happening and we thought it was a good time to leave,” he added.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist also stated; “When we left I feel we were a lot happier, training better, we’re back in love with boxing and that’s the main thing for us.”
During their short spells as professionals they have already tested themselves in sparring against high level opposition with Garan sculpting his craft by taking on the challenge of now mandatory IBF Welterweight world title challenger Lewis Crocker.
“That’s really taught me a lot sparring someone as good as him, I learn a lot from those, they’ve got the pro styles I need to adapt to, the only way I feel I can get better at the pro style is sparring seasoned pros like Lewis so it definitely brings me on a lot,” he said.
Ioan Croft on falling in love with boxing again
Ioan also shared his frustrations over the disappointing end to their amateur careers stating that their move to Manchester reignited his love for the sport.
“I forgot boxing was meant to be fun after coming off the GB setup, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I had with GB, I loved my time there, but by the end there was a lot going on and it just felt like a routine, you weren’t doing something you loved,” he said.
“When I moved up to Manchester, I realised I sort of found the love for the sport again almost, I didn’t realise I fell out with it, we’ve got a brilliant team around us and its just the beginning,” added the unbeaten prospect.
Anthony Crolla on ‘promoters dream’ Croft twins
The twins have linked up with former Manchester born fighter now trainer Anthony Crolla, who has constructed a stable of top talents including former world champion Rhiannon Dixon and top prospect and younger brother William Crolla.
Speaking on the Welsh duo he said; “There must be people looking at the support, the singing and everything like that, I really think they’re a promoters dream I really do.”
“These are very good, I think Welsh boxing it doesn’t get the credit it deserves, the fighters it churns out year after year, and I believe these two will be right up there,” he added.
Despite their impressive talent it hasn’t been plain sailing for the duo with them having to wait for opportunities and are still yet to be signed by a major promotion.
“Last year they had such a tough year, they stayed in the gym all year from March and they made their debut in December and that showed me their mental strength,” said Crolla.
“I knew how good they were and I was thinking this is mental, we’ve got two lads here who are unbelievable prospects and they’re having to prove themselves,” added Crolla.
“I said to them it’ll make it all the sweeter when they do get the chance, I know there will be promoters who will think we’ve messed up there. I’m pretty sure these two will be front runners in bringing the big shows back to Wales.”
The 23-year-olds will be looking to remain active with a potential slot on another Welsh show in April that will be televised live on BBC Wales.
