BoxRec

BOXXER expands into the Netherlands with major event in Rotterdam headlined by Gradus Kraus

BOXXER continues its international expansion with the announcement of its first event in the Netherlands, partnering with leading Dutch promoters Boxing Gladiators to stage a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, May 9 at the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam.

Following successful international events in France, Poland and Albania, UK-based promoter BOXXER brings its next-generation approach to one of Europe’s most passionate fight markets.

The event will be headlined by light heavyweight star Gradus Kraus, who tops a stacked card featuring a host of local talent including some of the Netherlands’ most exciting prospects.

Kraus is fast establishing himself as one of the most exciting fighters in world boxing. The 24-year-old made an emphatic statement on his BOXXER debut in January, delivering a devastating second-round stoppage victory over Boris Crighton at the Copper Box Arena.

Having claimed the IBF European Title last September in Rotterdam, stopping Rostam Ibrahim inside two rounds, Kraus returns to home ground as he looks to take his next steps towards world glory.

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We believe Gradus Kraus is a future superstar of the sport. He already has a huge following in the Netherlands and we want to continue to build that fanbase both at home and on a global scale. We are excited to be partnering with Boxing Gladiators to stage our first event in the Netherlands. The country has a rich tradition in combat sports and a passionate fanbase that deserves world-class boxing events. We believe May 9 will be the start of something special for Dutch boxing.”

I am sorry

You must be p*ssed if you think kraus is going to make i
It.

He is going to have to be very cleverly matched.

Looks a bit crispy there. Needs to get off the lounger and fight Whittaker.

Spud MK2 wrote: ↑28 Mar 2026, 12:25 I am sorry

You must be p*ssed if you think kraus is going to make i
It.

He is going to have to be very cleverly matched.

Wasn't your gaffer saying Kraus was the future of the division etc?

johnmanchester wrote: ↑29 Mar 2026, 14:21

Spud MK2 wrote: ↑28 Mar 2026, 12:25 I am sorry

You must be p*ssed if you think kraus is going to make i
It.

He is going to have to be very cleverly matched.

Wasn't your gaffer saying Kraus was the future of the division etc?

Trust me not my gaffer

He's looks a bit in the Ole Klemetsen mould ie he's either knocking you out, or you'll knock him out (saying that, looks like he was never stopped in the amas). He's a lot more open than Klemetsen though and goes out with one intention, there's nothing subtle about his approach. That chin will get tested at some point though.

Gradus is very very good, bit too eager at the moment but he is top notch when relaxed.

jonp wrote: ↑29 Mar 2026, 17:05 Gradus is very very good, bit too eager at the moment but he is top notch when relaxed.

I have to be less stubborn.

2 people outside of kraus's team have stated kraus is b very good.

Have to say this the fight with Brooks is very good matchmaking.

I will start to take him serious if he comes through this unscathed.

Brooks has a 5-0 record.

if people want a better look at kraus they should watch his IBA pro boxing fights vs world class ams (olympic champs, worlds medalists, etc). he won them all and boxed like he took them seriously.

so many people going on about how poor he looked last time, how they know he'll never make it based on that one fight where he easily wrecked a guy early, but he had 0 respect for that guy and was trying to make a statement.

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑14 Apr 2026, 19:22 if people want a better look at kraus they should watch his IBA pro boxing fights vs world class ams (olympic champs, worlds medalists, etc). he won them all and boxed like he took them seriously.

so many people going on about how poor he looked last time, how they know he'll never make it based on that one fight now, but he had 0 respect for that guy and was trying to make a statement.

I was WRONG to be so damming of him

its not wrong to be critical, but jeezus people acting like they know based on 1 fight where he won easily in 2 rounds that he's total sheeyat now and wont amount to anything. meanwhile you have several people who have watched a lot more of him saying they think his potential is good....

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑14 Apr 2026, 19:26 its not wrong to be critical, but jeezus people acting like they know based on 1 fight where he won easily in 2 rounds that he's total sheeyat now and wont amount to anything. meanwhile you have several people who have watched a lot more of him saying they think his potential is good....

I have to admit .. i was very dissapointed in his last fight

This is really an under-rated fight.

After watching Brooks fight I think he could reach a good level and he is an exciting fighter to watch, but he is well behind Kraus in his career progression.

It does make me wonder why Brooks would be taking this fight so early in his professional development and being on Kraus's promotion in his hometown.

Seems a decent fella, always makes me smile when his daughter walks him out dancing. Enjoyable to watch too.

Been lurking on this forum for years, feels a bit surreal seeing my younger brother having a post on here, even if its about a fight where hes an extreme underdog

2407054 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2026, 06:56 This is really an under-rated fight.

After watching Brooks fight I think he could reach a good level and he is an exciting fighter to watch, but he is well behind Kraus in his career progression.

It does make me wonder why Brooks would be taking this fight so early in his professional development and being on Kraus's promotion in his hometown.

He just has no interest in fighting journeyman, this was the first big fight offered to him, he took it in a heartbeat

Jamessibley1994 wrote: ↑20 Apr 2026, 12:58 Been lurking on this forum for years, feels a bit surreal seeing my younger brother having a post on here, even if its about a fight where hes an extreme underdog

It’s a decent fight

Kraus has got a lot of hype

Brooks looks decent. Definitely has a chance.

Thanks, glad someone sees it that way. We saw he has 13 to 1 odds, really surprising when you compare the other fights given those kind of odds.
I think he has gone under the radar because he grew up mostly in Spain. He has more national medals than I can remember and the Spanish federation invited him to join the national squad but not having Spanish citizenship stopped him from competing at international events for Spain.

Jamessibley1994 wrote: ↑23 Apr 2026, 05:32 Thanks, glad someone sees it that way. We saw he has 13 to 1 odds, really surprising when you compare the other fights given those kind of odds.
I think he has gone under the radar because he grew up mostly in Spain. He has more national medals than I can remember and the Spanish federation invited him to join the national squad but not having Spanish citizenship stopped him from competing at international events for Spain.

Thanks for that ...this could possibly be a good fight

if kraus is sheeyat like so many said after last fight, brooks will beat him up

Jamessibley1994 wrote: ↑23 Apr 2026, 05:32 Thanks, glad someone sees it that way. We saw he has 13 to 1 odds, really surprising when you compare the other fights given those kind of odds.
I think he has gone under the radar because he grew up mostly in Spain. He has more national medals than I can remember and the Spanish federation invited him to join the national squad but not having Spanish citizenship stopped him from competing at international events for Spain.

13-1? I’m up for that