Francesca Hennessy-Ellie Boutell and Gradus Kraus-Boris Crighton will serve as the co-main events on Boxxer’s promotion on Saturday following the injuries that meant that Adam Azim-Gustavo Lemos was cancelled.
Hennessy and Boutell will contest their all-English WBC bantamweight title eliminator at London’s Copper Box Arena shortly after the light-heavyweight match-up between Kraus and Crighton; the WBC bantamweight title is held by the undisputed champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson.
The junior welterweights Azim and Lemos both suffered hand injuries but Boxxer plan to reschedule their IBF title eliminator for later in 2025. The Netherlands’ Kraus represents one of the prospects Ben Shalom is most invested in, despite his stable – like Crighton – being mostly British.
“Obviously, we were disappointed to lose Adam Azim as our headliner, but we are thrilled to have two of the most exciting young fighters in world boxing in action on Saturday night,” the promoter said. “Francesca Hennessy and Gradus Kraus have the potential to dominate their divisions and become future pound-for-pound stars.
“We’re also pleased that, together with our broadcaster and partners, we have been able to keep the show on despite losing our main event. We have eight fights, showcasing some incredible talent. All the fighters have been training hard and are deserving of their opportunities on Saturday.”
