[1] Grad attributes much of his success to martial arts claiming that it led him away from the self-destructive path of bar fights in Jerusalem.
Despite the political discourse between the respective countries, the two quickly became friends, began training together and acted as corner-men for each other.
[2] In 2011, Grad became the first Israeli boxer to legally enter Malaysia after being invited to participate in the AXN Asia reality show, "The Challenger Muaythai" featuring various Muay Thai fighters from different countries.
When he arrived at Kuala Lumpur airport, Grad was detained for 25 hours, but was finally allowed to enter the country following the intervention of the Malaysian Minister of Sports.
[1] In April 2012, Shalom Life ranked him Number 1 on its list of “the 50 most talented, intelligent, funny, and gorgeous Jewish men in the world.”[6][7]