(March 28th) 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 September in Rotterdam, stopping Rostam Ibrahim inside two rounds, Kraus returns to home ground as he looks 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. We believe May 9 will be the start of something special for Dutch boxing.”

BOXXER is the fastest growing promotional company in the UK

We believe in the power of boxing and the next generation.

Our focus is to bring inclusivity, innovation and entertainment to one of the oldest sports in the world. We partner with the world’s largest media partners to bring iconic nights and unforgettable events to boxing, and bring the professional sport into the next generation.

Founded by the youngest promoter in the UK, Ben Shalom, our journey started from humble beginnings and our commitment to the grassroots of the sport remains central to our mission.

Announcing a new broadcast deal that will see live, world-class professional boxing return to Saturday night primetime BBC television and BBC iPlayer on a free-to-air basis, we attract the very best talent from around the world having delivered World Championship boxing and record-breaking Box-Office events in front of sellout crowds. . At the same time, we maintain our commitment to grassroots boxing through our tournament shows and continued investment.

Boxing Gladiators: The Next Era of Dutch Boxing

We are Boxing Gladiators, a rising Dutch boxing promotion company based in the Netherlands, rapidly establishing ourselves as the country’s leading national platform for professional boxing.

We are here to modernize Dutch professional boxing. Through world-class production, credible matchmaking, and a powerful media presence, we create events that are modern, thrilling, and commercially strong. We believe boxing deserves more than just a ring; it deserves a stage.

In March 2026, we cemented our vision with a landmark partnership with BOXXER, the prominent UK-based promoter founded by Ben Shalom. This collaboration marks BOXXER’s strategic expansion into the Dutch market and signals a new chapter for European boxing.

Our first major co-promoted show is set for May 9, 2026, at the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam. The card will be headlined by our own Dutch light heavyweight contender, Gradus "KO King" Kraus, as he continues his charge toward a world title. This event is just the beginning of a nationwide series designed to showcase the very best talent the Netherlands has to offer.

We maintain active partnerships with respected federations including the Dutch Boxing Federation, the EBU (European Boxing Union), and global sanctioning bodies like the IBF, WBC, WBA, and WBO. These alliances ensure our fighters compete on credible paths to world rankings.

Unlike older Dutch promotions that often leaned heavily on kickboxing, Boxing Gladiators is dedicated strictly to elevating professional boxing.

Our focus is unwavering fair & transparent matchmaking. Building records that matter. High-energy production, top-tier lighting, music and storytelling that turn fights into spectacles. Together with talent development, building the next generation of Dutch boxing stars through a consistent nationwide event series.

This venture is significant because it bridges the gap between the robust Dutch combat sports scene and the high-profile British boxing market. Through our alliance with BOXXER, we are offering Dutch fighters greater exposure on international platforms like the BBC, ensuring that the next Dutch boxing hero doesn't just fight locally—they fight globally.

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