Boxing
Unbeaten knockout rising star added to Williamson vs. Simpson II card
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Light heavyweight Gradus Kraus will lead an action-packed undercard for Troy Williamson vs Callum Simpson II as he takes on American Sean Hemphill on Saturday, August 8 at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.
A BOXXER fight night, live and exclusive on DAZN, the fast-rising star (11-0, 10 KOs) returns to British soil following a triumphant homecoming fight against Theo Brooks in Rotterdam in May, where he recorded a spectacular second-round stoppage win.
Rapidly building a reputation as one of the most exciting upcoming fighters, the 24-year-old has floored every opponent he has faced to date in the professional ranks, with only one making it beyond the second round.
Hemphill (19-3, 11 KOs), from New Orleans, USA, will be looking to halt Kraus’ knockout streak and improve his own record when the pair meet in a ten-round international contest.
Known as ‘Silky’, the 30-year-old has shared the ring with former world champion William Scull and has also served as a sparring partner for pound-for-pound superstar Canelo Alvarez.
The American returns to Yorkshire, where he enjoyed the biggest win of his career last June by handing the previously unbeaten Mark Jeffers his first professional defeat.
Hemphill claimed a majority decision over Jeffers at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley to capture the WBA Gold Continental title.
He also faced Ty Mitchell at Manchester's AO Arena in August 2025, finding himself on the wrong end of a split decision verdict.
Major test for unbeaten raising star
“We’re delighted to have Gradus Kraus back in action,” said BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom.
"Sean Hemphill is a slick operator with plenty of experience and has already shown in the UK that he can upset the odds, so this is exactly the type of test Gradus needs at this stage of his career.
"It's a dangerous fight, but these are the challenges that create future world champions.
Undercard promises plenty of entertainment
Two eight-round contests featuring four unbeaten fighters have also been added to the Leeds night.
Slough super welterweight Hassan Azim (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Portugal’s Ruben Torres (8-0, 4 KOs), while Manchester middleweight Mauro Silva (9-0, 4 KOs) faces Birmingham-based Bermudan Tyler Christopher (12-0, 2 KOs).
Further down the card, Leeds super lightweight Billy Pickles (18-1, 1 KO) meets Accrington’s Max Curtis (10-1, 1 KO) over six rounds.
Hull’s unbeaten Ted Jackson (7-0) returns in a six-round super welterweight contest. Droylsden’s Billy Deniz (15-0, 5 KOs) faces Littleborough's Alex Carter (5-2) in a six-round super middleweight bout.
Finally, York’s rising cruiserweight talent Brad Casey (5-0, 2 KOs) returns in a four-round cruiserweight contest against Ross McGuigan (7-12-1, 1 KO).
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