| |
|
Stanford’s Dante Kirkman Returns to the Ring on March 8 at Thunder Valley Casino Resort
PhilBoxing.com Thu, 06 Feb 2025

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:
Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19 , Thu, 28 May 2026‘Not a Kid Anymore.’ Edward Vazquez Talks About How He’s Matured While Training to Face Daniel Lugo on ProBoxTV in Friday, June 5, Main Event , Thu, 28 May 2026Remulla, Ferrer, Matro to grace Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament this weekend By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 May 2026McHugh next for Dy By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 May 2026Sweat, Smiles & Strategy: Ador Torres Helps Tim Tszyu Sharpen Up for Errol Spence By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 27 May 2026Benavidez receives the Tollan Tlatequi WBC belt in Mexico City By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 27 May 2026Llover ready to fight Angeletti on June 6 By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 May 2026Tyson Fury could return in Dublin on August 1st By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 27 May 2026Long After the Cheers: Luisito Espinosa…Battle of Manila Bay 2…and an Unofficial World Record Worth Remembering By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 27 May 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Jordan Orozco (16-0, 16 KOs) Continues Rapid Ascent as One of Boxing’s Most Exciting Young Stars , Wed, 27 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures 13 Medals at 2026 Copa America , Wed, 27 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 MAY 2026: Usyk Defeats Verhoeven in Controversial Stoppage; Catterall UD Giyasov; Hiruta Beats Soliman; Sanchez KOs Torrez; Jones Stops Gualtieri By Eric Armit, , Tue, 26 May 2026WBC #14 Bryan Flores Takes on Jonathan Navarro in 10-round Super Lightweight Main Event on ProBoxTV, Sat., July 18, at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif. , Tue, 26 May 2026Villarosa retains PH Youth super fly crown By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 26 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Six More Wins on Day Eight at 2026 Copa America , Tue, 26 May 2026It’s time for blue-chip prospect Marco Romero to sign with top promoter , Tue, 26 May 2026General Trias Team All Set for International Chess Meet By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 May 2026Rosas wins PH superfly crown in first fight By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 25 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Spurs Shackle Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 of West Finals By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 25 May 2026Paciones defeats Laspoña, retains WBO Oriental flyweight title By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 25 May 2026Results from Panama City By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 25 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Improves Strong Copa America Showing with 8 win Day , Mon, 25 May 2026Benilde Blazers wins Antipolo 2x2 chess team tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 25 May 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr files $175 million lawsuit against former associates and advisors By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 24 May 2026Christian Mbilli will defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12 in Saudi Arabia! , Sun, 24 May 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|