Philippines, 01 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Stanford’s Dante Kirkman Returns to the Ring on March 8 at Thunder Valley Casino Resort

PhilBoxing.com




PALO ALTO, CA (February 5, 2025) – Rising middleweight prospect and Stanford University senior, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (3-0, 1 KO), is set to make his 2025 debut on March 8 in a four-round bout against Jose Cruz of El Monte, CA. The fight will take place at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA, as part of the “Thunder Showdown II” event promoted by Nasser Niavaroni of Uppercut Boxing Promotions.

Fighting in Northern California, where his family, friends, and a strong Stanford contingent will be in attendance, is something Kirkman is embracing wholeheartedly. “It’s always special fighting close to home,” said Kirkman. “I know the Bay Area fans are going to come out strong for this one, and I can’t wait to put on a show for them. My goal is to end this fight early and march toward a busy 2025.”

Kirkman has also made waves at Stanford University, where he stands out as the only professional boxer in its history, balancing academics and athletics at an elite level. “There's not another pro boxer walking around Stanford, or any other top college as far as I know, and I like to show kids that they can go far in life as a great student as well as a great fighter.”

A win over Cruz on March 8 would further solidify Kirkman’s status as a rising prospect in the middleweight division. “Every win matters at this stage of my career,” he concluded. “I need to keep stacking victories, improving, and making a name for myself in the sport. I want to fight at least five times this year. I’m looking to gain experience, keep building my record, and make my presence felt in the division.”

Tickets for “Thunder Showdown II” are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, with pricing as follows: $149.95 (Floor 1 - 4) / $124.95 (Floor 5 - 6) / $89.95 (Lower Mezz) / $74.95 (Mezz) / $59.95 (Balcony), plus taxes and fees. The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort is located at 1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648. Doors open at 6:00 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 7:00 pm.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Zurdo Ramirez vs Benavidez (Fight Analysis)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS WALKER AND EGGINGTON GET SET FOR SHOWDOWN
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • VARGAS AND WHITTAKER AIM TO SHINE ON HUGE ZAYAS-BOOTS BROOKLYN STAGE
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Ariza warns don’t underestimate Floyd
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Weights From ‘Erdenebat vs. Breedy’ Event from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland & Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • José "Chegui" Torres Award ceremony on May 2 in Ponce, Puerto Rico
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani Look Awesome During Today's Presscon; Ready for Saturday's Historic Tokyo Dome Showdown!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Santig is IBF Promoter for Asia 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Jerusalem Arrives Early in Johannesburg Ahead of May 16 Title Defense
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Confirmed Mayhem: Casimero vs Nery June 6 in Japan! (Long Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles is OPBF light fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • WBC Commemorative belt ¨Tollan Tlatequi¨ at stake on Benavidez-Ramirez super fight
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Toro’s Talented Trio of Prospects Fighting in Mexico on May 15th
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • CONAH WALKER READY FOR AN ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST MIDLANDS RIVAL SAM EGGINGTON IN HIS HOMETOWN WOLVERHAMPTON – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • IBA.PRO Champions Night in Saint Petersburg postponed due to unforeseen circumstances
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • 20th Philippine Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Open on May 1
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • MELBOURNE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles Decisions Diaz, Claims OPBF 108-lb Belt in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Stars feted at Pacquiao/Elorde Awards Night
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo banners Blow-By-Blow show
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • IBA Bare Knuckle сard сonfirmed for St. Petersburg: IBA.PRO Champions Night
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo excited to fight Rementizo for new PBO title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Angel “AK-47” Barrientes Dominates Luis Espinoza with Shutout Victory in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Manangquil is again Manager of the Year
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • World Boxing confirms details of AIN procedure that will allow boxers from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.