Alan Graves Jr (5-0, 5 KOs) is set for a career-defining homecoming when he defends his WBF world middleweight title against Germany’s David Kerkmann (29-3, 25 KOs) at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby on December 20. The bout, fittingly titled Homecoming, marks a return to his roots for the Derby native, who only took up boxing two years ago and has risen rapidly to world champion status.
Now 35, Graves has enjoyed a remarkable start to his professional career. With just 18 months as a pro, he has won all five of his fights, each by knockout, establishing a perfect record and an eye-catching reputation. Originally from Alvaston and now living in Gibraltar, Graves balances boxing with a successful business career, making his ascent in the sport all the more unusual.
The challenge ahead is significant. Kerkmann, fighting at super middleweight, is an experienced and dangerous opponent who has won all his fights this year and boasts 29 victories overall, with just three defeats.
Beyond the ring, the event carries a strong charitable focus. Graves has pledged to donate £10,000 to the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre if the fight sells out, along with £1 for every online share of his promotional training video. The charity provides free seaside breaks in Skegness for disadvantaged local children and is a cause close to Graves’ heart due to his family’s connection to it.
Fight card:
▪️Alan Graves vs. David Kerkmann, 10 rounds, middleweight
▪️Steven Cairns vs. Cesar Ignacio Paredes, 8 rounds, lightweight
▪️Dylan Fitzgerald vs. Jensen Irving, 6 rounds, middleweight
▪️Jake Morgan vs. Caine Singh, 6 rounds, super featherweight
▪️Ellis Price vs. Stefan Vincent, 6 rounds, welterweight
▪️Sasha Booker vs. Sydney Chambers, 6 x 2 rounds, super flyweight
▪️Kriss Montegriffo vs. Ryan Labourn, 4 rounds, heavyweight
▪️Evan Montegriffo vs. Josh Cook, 4 rounds, middleweight
▪️Sajid Abid vs. Owen Durnan, 4 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Taylor Greig vs. Sam Kirk, 4 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Mark Ahondjo vs. Ben Vickers, 4 rounds, heavyweight
