The 24-year-old Dutchman and the 33-year-old German did this under the Euromast, not very far from the Wilgenring Sports Complex, where the fight for the European light-heavyweight title will take place on November 29. Tickets are no longer available as the event sold out within three days.
Merciless boxing sensation Gradus Kraus finds it difficult to find opponents: ‘Just look for a boy who wants to take the risk’
“I’m going into it the same way I did in my previous fights,” says Kraus, who has won seven of his eight professional bouts by knockout. “It doesn’t make me more nervous because it’s about a title now. It’s great that I’m now boxing in the Netherlands and will therefore have the public on my side. We are training well at the moment and it is nice that we now know who the opponent will be. This is a good boxer who has excellent results against strong men to his name. He will definitely come here again soon to fight and win.”
Eight out of sixteen knockout
Ibrahim, who won eight of his sixteen matches by knockout, would also like to answer some questions. “I have a good chance, but I also have a lot of respect for every opponent,” he says, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. “I mainly concentrate on myself. My preparation must go perfectly in the coming weeks and I must not get injured. In two weeks I will be really ready and I can show what I can do.”
This German does not think that he will be completely alone in Rotterdam on November 29. He has many fans in Germany and expects that a large number will make the trip to the west of the Netherlands. He also relies on his experience. “I have experienced more than my Dutch opponent. That could work out in my favor.”