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 November in Rotterdam, stopping Rostam Ibrahim inside two rounds, Kraus returns to home soil where he will look 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. May 9 is going to be the start of something special for Dutch boxing.”

Two future superstars of the sport, Francesca Hennessy and Gradus Kraus, will now top the bill at BOXXER’s The World Awaits fight night on Saturday January 31 at the Copper Box Arena in London, broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. 

Adam Azim was due to headline the event, but his fight against Gustavo Lemos has been postponed after both fighters suffered hand injuries in training. Their IBF eliminator will be rescheduled for later this year.

Francesca Hennessy can take another big step towards world glory when she faces fellow unbeaten British boxer Ellie Boutell in a final eliminator for the WBC World Bantamweight Title, with the WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship also on the line.

Hennessy returns to BBC television after a perfect performance against former WBC World Champion Fabiana Bytyqi. The 21-year-old’s aim is to become the youngest ever undisputed world champion, a record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at the age of 22. 

A win would put Hennessy in line to face Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson, the current Undisputed Bantamweight Champion. However, Boutell, the Shanghai-based Cambridge graduate, will be coming into the bout with her own world title ambitions.

Gradus Kraus is considered one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. The 24-year-old from Oss, Netherlands has stopped eight of his nine opponents inside the distance and holds an amateur win over two-time Olympic gold medallist Arlen Lopez. 

The reigning IBF European Light Heavyweight Champion will take on Boris Crighton as he makes his promotional debut for BOXXER having signed a long-term deal with the next-gen promoter in December. 

Glasgow boxer Crighton has previously gone the distance with former IBO World Champion and current European Light Heavyweight Champion Lyndon Arthur and should provide Kraus with the toughest test of his career so far. 

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “Obviously, we were disappointed to lose Adam Azim as our headliner, but we are thrilled to have two of the most exciting young fighters in world boxing in action on Saturday night. Francesca Hennessy and Gradus Kraus have the potential to dominate their divisions and become future pound-for-pound stars. 

“We’re also pleased that, together with our broadcaster and partners, we have been able to keep the show on despite losing our main event. We have eight fights, showcasing some incredible talent. All the fighters have been training hard and are deserving of their opportunities on Saturday.” 

Remaining tickets are available at BOXXER.com

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.

All purchased tickets remain valid. Any ticket holders requiring a refund following the postponement of Azim vs Lemos should contact their point of purchase. 

Highly rated light heavyweight Gradus Kraus (9-0, 8 KOs) has signed a long-term promotional agreement with BOXXER as he looks to make his mark on the world stage and establish himself as a dominant force in the sport. 

Kraus, who has been tipped as a future world champion, joins BOXXER on the back of the biggest victory of his professional career. Headlining in front of his home fans in Rotterdam, the Dutchman produced a dominant performance, stopping Rostam Ibrahim inside two rounds to claim the IBF European Light Heavyweight Title.

Trained by Albert Krause and Peter Fury and co-managed by Mick Hennessy and Izzy Asif, Kraus has become a fan favourite inside and outside the ring. His dancing ring walks featuring his daughter have captured the imagination of the public and generated millions of views across social media. 

The power punching 24-year-old, who has stopped eight of his nine opponents inside the distance, also holds an amateur win over two-time Olympic gold medallist Arlen Lopez. 

With the backing of BOXXER, Kraus will now look to accelerate his rise through the light heavyweight ranks, targeting major fights as he continues his journey towards world title contention.

Gradus Kraus said: “I’m really excited to sign with BOXXER. Fans can expect a lot of knockouts from me. I train hard every day, and I want to show everyone that I’m the best in the light heavyweight division. I can’t wait to start fighting big opponents in big arenas and testing myself at the highest level. I’m excited to fight in the UK on major shows. I’d also love to bring more big boxing events back home to the Netherlands, hopefully with BOXXER staging shows there in the future. My aim is to become world champion, collect all the belts and become undisputed.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom: “We’re delighted to welcome Gradus to the BOXXER team. This is a fighter we believe has all the ingredients to become a global superstar. He has a great team around him and the potential to become a future pound-for-pound star. We’re excited to be a part of his journey and to guide him toward the biggest fights and world title success.”

Sean McComb won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ben Crocker in a super lightweight bout in Sheffield, ENG

In round one, Criocker landed a big right hook that put McComb m the deck.

McComb, 139.7 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 96-93 on all cards and is now 20-2. Crocker, 139.8 lbs of Swansea, WAL is 14-1-1.

Gradus Krause remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Scott Forrest in a cruiserweight bout.

In the opening minute, Krause planted Forrest on the canvas with a right hand to the head.

Krause, 202 lbs of Oss, NTH won by a score of 60-53 and is now 8-0. Forrest, 204.1 lbs of Edinburgh, SCO is 7-2.

Tysie Gallagher won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ellie Hellewell in a super bantamweight bout.

Gallagher, 121.75 lbs of Luton, UK won by scores of 97-93, 98-93 and 97-94 and is now 10-2. Hellewell, 121.7 lbs or Doncaster, UK is 7-1.

Shakeil Thompson stopped Grant Dennis in round two of their eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Thompson landed a right to the body that sent Dennis to a knee for the 10-count at 1:43.

Thompson, 163.1 lbs of Sheffield, ENG i s 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Dennis, 166.75 lbs of Chatham, ENG is 15-17-4.

Ed Hardy won a six-round decision over Jose Manuel Perez in a junior lightweight bout.

Hardy, 126.25 lbs of Dancaster, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 5-0. Perez, 130 lbs of Costa Rica is 16-25-1.