Promoted by BOXXER in partnership with leading Dutch promoter Boxing Gladiators, the event marks another significant milestone for the 24-year-old light heavyweight prospect, who will headline in Amsterdam for the first time since making his professional debut.

Kraus has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting emerging talents in world boxing, attracting a growing following in the Netherlands and internationally through his explosive performances, aggressive fighting style, and devastating knockout power. The heavy-handed Dutchman has floored every opponent he has faced since turning professional, with only one fighter managing to survive beyond the second round.

The rising star delivered arguably his most impressive performance to date in August at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, England, requiring just 63 seconds to dismantle American contender Sean Hemphill. Brought in from the United States to provide Kraus with his toughest professional test, Hemphill was overwhelmed inside the opening round as the Dutch knockout artist extended his remarkable streak of destructive victories.

Now returning to Amsterdam for the first time since his professional debut, Kraus faces a significant step up in competition against the experienced Deines, a proven international contender who has competed at the highest level of the light heavyweight division.

The 35-year-old German challenger brings considerable experience and championship credentials into the contest, having challenged unified world champion Artur Beterbiev for the WBC and IBF World Light Heavyweight Titles at the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow in March 2021.

Deines is also a former German national champion, having defeated previously unbeaten prospect Stefan Härtel to capture the domestic title. His professional résumé includes reigns as WBC International Silver and IBF Intercontinental champion, further establishing his credentials as a seasoned contender on the European and international boxing circuits.

The German enters the Amsterdam showdown carrying European championship honors of his own, having captured the WBO European Light Heavyweight Title with a fifth-round knockout victory over Mateusz Tryc in his most recent outing in May.

With both fighters possessing significant punching power and championship ambitions, the November 28 encounter presents a compelling clash between one of boxing's most explosive young prospects and a battle-tested former world title challenger determined to reestablish himself among the division's leading contenders.

Gradus Kraus expressed his excitement about returning to Amsterdam and outlined his preparations and ambitions for the championship defense.

“I’m very happy to be headlining a major event in Amsterdam. I’m training hard with my father. We will be going to Bulgaria for our training camp, as well as coming to England to work with Peter Fury.

“Adam Deines is a strong opponent. He has fought for a world title and shared the ring with some great fighters, but I’m going to show that I am on another level. I want to make a statement and prove that I’m ready to beat the very best and challenge for world titles.

“I believe I’m the best in this weight class, and on November 28, I’m going to show that again in front of my home crowd.”

Adam Deines made it clear that he intends to spoil Kraus' homecoming and leave Amsterdam with the championship.

“Gradus Kraus is a talented young fighter with a lot of power, but he has never faced anyone like me. I have fought against the best and I know what it takes to compete at the highest level. I’m not coming to Amsterdam to make up the numbers. I’m coming to win. Kraus will have the crowd behind him, but when the bell rings it is just the two of us in the ring.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom emphasized the importance of the matchup in Kraus' continued development and the promotion's growing presence in the Netherlands.

“Gradus Kraus is a special talent. Every time we step him up, he responds with another spectacular performance. Now he takes another major step against a former world title challenger in Adam Deines. This is exactly the type of progression we need for Gradus. He is building a big following at home in the Netherlands. We saw the excitement around Gradus in Rotterdam earlier this year and we’re looking forward to working with Boxing Gladiators again to deliver an even bigger night in Amsterdam.”

The November 28 championship showdown represents another pivotal opportunity for Kraus to demonstrate his readiness for the upper levels of the light heavyweight division. A convincing victory over a former world title challenger would further strengthen the Dutchman's growing reputation and move him closer to his ultimate ambition of competing for a world championship.

For Deines, the contest offers an opportunity to draw upon his experience against elite opposition, derail the momentum of one of Europe's fastest-rising prospects, and add the IBF European Light Heavyweight Title to his championship résumé.

With Kraus returning to the city where his professional journey began, the Amsterdam event promises a high-stakes European title clash as the Dutch knockout sensation seeks to deliver another statement performance before his home supporters.

BOXXER is the fastest growing boxing 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.

With an incredible start to our tenure on Sky Sports in the UK, we now 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, whilst maintaining our commitment to grassroots boxing through our tournament shows and continued investment.