Peter Fury has described his light-heavyweight charge as a “monster in the ring”, insisting he is ready to face former undisputed king Artur Beterbiev.
The 41-year-old Russian has not fought since February 2025, back when he lost his four major titles in an immediate rematch with Dmitry Bivol.
In their first encounter, Beterbiev emerged with a majority decision victory, only to lose by the exact same margins – 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 – just over four months later.
But still, even after having not fought in around 18 months, the prolific knockout artist is widely regarded as one of the leading operators at 175lbs.
It should therefore come as a surprise that Fury, a vastly experienced and respected coach, has expressed an interest in putting Gradus Kraus in with Beterbiev.
While he does, indeed, seem like a genuine talent with bundles of potential, the 25-year-old is yet to compete anywhere near world level.
Yet despite his lack of experience, Fury has told IFL TV that, if his promoter and manager were to strike a deal with Beterbiev, or indeed any champion at 175, he would have no issue with Kraus signing on the dotted line.
“Any [light-heavyweight] out there: put your name forward. [Kraus] can fight them in October, November, December. He’s ready for all of them.
“This kid is a monster in the ring; I tip him for massive things. Trust me: if Ben Shalom and Mick [Hennessy] get him Beterbiev tomorrow, he’ll be having it for his next fight.”
Having stopped all but one of his 12 opponents, Holland’s Kraus is now coming off a statement first-round finish over Sean Hemphill and is expected back out in October. Whether or not he climbs the rankings before Bivol and Beterbiev retire is another matter.
