Nieky Holzken to return to boxing at the age of 42

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nieky Holzken to return to boxing at the age of 42

Dutchman Nieky Holzken is to return to professional boxing this Saturday, seven years after losing to Callum Smith in the World Boxing Super Six Tournament, on a show in Helmond, Netherlands.

In 2018 Holzken was to fight on the undercard to Smith-Juergen Braehmer. Only to step in and face the Englishman on short notice when Braehmer pulled out due to illness. Holzken lost clearly to Smith on points, though his efforts proved better than many expected, and he had one more boxing match after that before returning to kick boxing where he is a major star.

In Helmond, the now 42-year old Holzken, 14-1 (11 KOs) will take on German Edison Demaj, 14-4-1 (8 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight contest.

Nieky's son Geraldo will make his pro debut on the bill.

[gilgamesh]

Nieky was a tough guy, but at 42 after over 100 kickboxing matches, his movement has to be severely limited compared to his prime.

He may win this particular match, just because of careful matchmaking, but he shouldn't pursue this comeback very far.

[margaret thatcher]

son of albert kraus, gradus kraus, is by miles the best dutch prospect atm

also a 12 out of 10 on the handsome scale

[chinarich]

Holzken won by UD and picked up the WBF International Super-Middleweight title as well.

Adrian King won on the undercard as did Holzken's son Geraldo on debut.

[maurerbrian]

_

[Ruthless-RKO]

I was impressed with him in the Smith fight...surprised he didn't get another shot vs a meaningful opponent....have to assume he is coming back just to train and fight on the same shows as his kid...Lebron-Bronny situation

Yh he was a decent replacement. Felt he did well.

[2087488]

42 and getting back into boxing… meanwhile I’m 30 and out of breath just taking the stairs solitaire bliss

[RuudOEN84]

son of albert kraus, gradus kraus, is by miles the best dutch prospect atm

also a 12 out of 10 on the handsome scale

He's being built up as if he will become future world champ light-heavy weight over here in Holland.
So far I'm impressed, but I really doubt he's good enough become a worldlevel contender.

[RuudOEN84]

son of albert kraus, gradus kraus, is by miles the best dutch prospect atm

also a 12 out of 10 on the handsome scale

He's being built up as if he will become future world champ light-heavy weight over here in Holland.
So far I'm impressed, but I really doubt he's good enough to become a worldlevel contender.

[margaret thatcher]

we'll see, but he had some pretty good results in the iba pro style boxing

beat a 2x olympic gold medalist

knocked out a european am champ/olympian, breaking him down with a strong body attack

beat another good khazak am


was just 1 win away from making the olympics and has some really good experience already before turning pro. has looked very strong so far in all his pro fights and fights with a good style for the pros. he's defo not a sure thing world champ or anything like that, but i think could become a contender if developed right

[Ruthless-RKO]

He’s announced his retirement Now from boxing and kickboxing.

[Ruthless-RKO]

He has had a long career (over 20+ years), with 90+ kickboxing wins and many world titles.

⸻

What Happened?
• Holzken has retired from both boxing and kickboxing after his recent fight.
• His last bout was a boxing match in Helmond, Netherlands, where he lost by unanimous decision to Besir Ay.

⸻

Career Highlights

Kickboxing
• Was a multiple-time world champion in kickboxing and competed at a high level in Glory and ONE Championship.
• Fought well over 150 professional fights during his kickboxing career.

Boxing
• Began his pro boxing career in 2013.
• In 2018, he stepped in on short notice to fight Callum Smith in the prestigious World Boxing Super Series semi-finals — though he lost.
• After years focused on kickboxing, he returned to boxing in 2025 and had a couple of fights before retiring.

[2356099]

Notably, Holzken has maintained his form even in his 40s, a rare feat in professional boxing. The fight against Ay was touted as a crucial step in his comeback.