Gradus Kraus with a lightning knockout against Attila Baran – the 23-year-old light heavyweight talent remains unbeaten.
Utrecht – Unbeaten light heavyweight Gradus Kraus (6-0, 6 knockouts) made a strong statement in the BetCity Arena in Utrecht on Saturday evening: With a brutal knockout in the first round, he sent the experienced Hungarian Attila Baran (17-10, 10 knockouts) to the canvas. The event was part of the “Queen and King of the Ring” event, organized by Exceed Boxing, Next Generation Warriors and the Dutch Boxing Federation (Nederlandse Boksbond).
The 23-year-old Kraus from Oss had no problems getting started. In the very first minute, he threw Baran off balance with a precise right hook. The Dutchman immediately followed up, skillfully working his opponent’s body and ending the brief clash with a spectacular right-left combination – a real highlight knockout that had the Dutch fans on the edge of their seats.
Undercard & title fight overturned
On paper, an exciting main pre-fight was actually scheduled in advance: Willy Kyakonye and Michael Essomba were to fight for the vacant BeNeLux heavyweight title. However, due to a dispute over the choice of gloves on the part of Essomba’s team, the fight was canceled at short notice.
Nevertheless, the undercard had some fights worth seeing. Dutch super lightweight champion Somay Bilal (16-1, 6 knockouts) secured a clear points victory (UD) over six rounds against Semjon Kamanin (5-3, 3 knockouts) from Estonia.
In the super bantamweight division, Utrecht-based Fazil Juma (7-1, 3 knockouts) and England’s Connor Adaway (8-2-1, 3 knockouts) shared a majority draw (MD) after six hard-fought rounds.
Olympic comparison: Netherlands vs. Germany 4:0
Before the professional fights, there was an Olympic-style international comparison between the Netherlands and Germany. The hosts left no doubt and won all four fights unanimously on points:
- Jenairo Gomes defeated Omar Sloian
- Aaliyah Hoppema prevailed against Maria Sedaia
- Mahmoud Alchabtun beat Ari Berkant
- Gabriella Werheim crowned the evening with a victory over Maria Avram
The Dutch pugilists clearly dominated and set a strong example at international level.