Kraus had already established himself as a favorite due to his impressive performances in the past year and did not disappoint the majority of the spectators in the Wilgenring sports center in Rotterdam. After winning seven of his eight previous fights by knockout, the former plasterer from Oss was once again inimitable for his powerless opponent. Ibrahim (33 years old and professional since 2016) is certainly not a small boy, but had no chance in the Rotterdam ring.
All signals are green for Kraus: ‘If you see how he is boxing now, Gradus cannot lose in principle’
In front of, among others, the famous former Olympian Arnold Vanderlyde and Boris van de Vorst (the man who resigned as president of World Boxing a week ago), Kraus once again made his entrance with daughter Giana in his arms. After a touching joint dance, the highlight of a weekend of top boxing in this sports center began.
Gradus Kraus quickly flattens Rostam Ibrahim
After much display of flags and two national anthems, the fight started over a maximum of ten rounds of three minutes before Gradus Kraus received an encouraging kiss from father and coach Albert Kraus. The German’s ordeal lasted less than two laps. First there was a knock-down and a minute later Kraus finally knocked Ibrahim to the floor with a flashy combination and the German’s coach threw in the towel. Then a noisy party started around the Dutch tastemaker.
“I hope you enjoyed it and hopefully you’ll see me again soon.” Great things are coming, so keep an eye on me,” Kraus said in a first reaction from the ring. Father and coach Albert Kraus: “I think you also believe that we have someone in the Netherlands who can compete at the top of the world. I hope we get the chance to win a world title next year.”
Gradus Kraus doesn’t leave Rostam Ibrahim a chance. © Webriser.nl
Gradus Kraus and Rostam Ibrahim ready for title fight: ‘It’s nice that I am now boxing in the Netherlands’
This victory makes Kraus a big jump in the IBF rankings and that means greater chances of fights against better opponents with the aim of a world title fight, possibly as early as 2026. An important role is reserved for his management agency GMB Sport, which must pair Kraus with a strong opponent who dares to take on the fight. Good news for Dutch fans is that the intention is to organize several fights in the Netherlands, possibly in a hall of the large Ahoy sports center, on the other side of Rotterdam.
Popularity of Gradus Kraus is increasing rapidly
In addition, it was announced on Saturday that Kraus will sign an exclusive TV deal for multiple events in the first quarter of 2026. It is clear that there is a lot of interest in the flashy Brabander, because the thousand tickets for his fight against Ibrahim were sold out within three days.