GBM SPORTS promoter Izzy Asif cannot speak any more highly of Gradus Kraus, a light-heavyweight prospect who he believes could land a world title shot as early as next year.
Hyperbole aside, there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to the career of Kraus, 8-0 (7 KOs), who despite being just eight fights into his professional campaign, seemingly has many of the attributes to become a genuine contender – or, as Asif seems to think, a ‘global superstar’.
Known for his flashy moves, both in and out of the ring, the ‘Dancing Dutchman’ likes to put on a show – often jigging to a catchy tune alongside his daughter – before extending his seamless rhythm through the ropes.
Oh, and by the way, the 24-year-old can seriously fight.
While all of his stoppages have arrived against obscure opposition, Kraus was bold enough to enter a late-notice assignment – up at cruiserweight, no less – towards the end of last month.
On paper, it appeared that Scott Forrest would offer him plenty of resistance, perhaps due to his sheer physical presence, but in reality, their fight proved to be a complete and utter mismatch.
Kraus wasted little time before delivering a dazzling display, and even floored his man in the opening frame, but was ultimately forced to settle with a truly one-sided points victory through six rounds.
Yet still, with his blistering hand speed, natural fluidity and razor-sharp finishing instinct, promoter Asif believes that it is only a matter of time before his client emerges as one of this sport’s biggest names.
“Gradus Kraus has got the potential to become a global superstar,” Asif told Boxing News.
“A lot can happen before he’s in a position to achieve that, and it’s going to take a lot of involvement from myself and his coaching staff, but he’s the most exciting signing I’ve got; he’s something special.
“I think he beats most top-10 light-heavyweights in this country right now. Give me another six months and don’t be surprised if, at some point in 2026, we land a world title fight for Gradus Kraus.
“Peter Fury and Albert, his dad, are constantly telling me that they want better opponents.
“As a promoter, I’m ready to take risks, and that’s why Scott Forrest was never in doubt for me. I’ll be putting Gradus Kraus into the mix as quickly as I can.”
The plan, Asif says, is for Kraus to headline a show in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on November 29, and while an opponent is yet to be revealed, the GBM boss expects there to be a minor title on the line, designed to give the Peter Fury-trained stylist a world ranking at 175lbs.
But regardless of his immediate future, Asif seems to feel that all of his Christmases have come at once, with dreams for Kraus to one day headline a major show remaining at the forefront of his mind.
“He’s got that stardom feeling – his ringwalks, his aura – he just oozes class, and the numbers we’ve been getting on our socials have been absolutely insane,” the promoter said.
“We’re taking him to Rotterdam at the end of November, and we’re seeing massive interest from Dutch TV. The venue is almost sold-out without us even announcing the fight yet.
“The plan is to one day fill a massive stadium in Holland, with Gradus Kraus topping the bill.”
