Undefeated KO artist says he’ll be the first to stop Dmitry Bivol: “My power is too much”

Unified light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol is regarded as the very best at 175lbs, but there is a new player in the division who believes that he can be the first to knock the slick Russian out.

Bivol became the first fighter to take Artur Beterbiev the distance when the pair collided for the undisputed title back in October 2024, but it was Beterbiev who claimed a majority-decision win and made history by becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight ruler of the four-belt era.

However, just four months later, Bivol became the second, as he avenged his solitary career defeat with a majority-decision triumph of his own before vacating the WBC belt – which subsequently fell into the hands of David Benavidez.

Now, after Bivol returned to action with a points win over Michael Eifert, it seems as though a trilogy showdown with Beterbiev is finally on the horizon, but the Russian-Canadian puncher is not the only knockout artist hoping to hand Bivol a first stoppage defeat.

Speaking to TalkSPORT Boxing, after a first-minute knockout of Sean Hemphill, Dutch light-heavyweight Gradus Kraus admitted that he cannot wait to face the likes of Bivol and knock them out.

“I want to make rounds, but you see I am too good for these guys and I know that I am the best in the world, I will be a future world champion. 

“I can’t wait to step up in the ring against [guys] like Bivol and then I will show the world that I also knock them out because my power is too much.”

Boxing News understands that Kraus, who now has 11 knockouts from 12 wins, will return to action in October, with former Bivol opponent Craig Richards amongst the names being considered as a potential opponent. 

Meanwhile, the unified champion has been ordered to face WBO mandatory challenger Callum Smith, though he may instead vacate the belt to make the third fight with Beterbiev.