Philippines, 30 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Michael “The Bounty” Hunter vs. Christopher Lovejoy Headlines Explosive Night of Boxing at Thunder Studios

PhilBoxing.com




LONG BEACH, CA (March 18, 2025) – Showtime Boxing Promotions is set to deliver a thrilling night of fights on April 19, 2025, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, featuring some of the sport’s most exciting contenders and rising stars. The show will stream live on WBCBOXING.com and all WBC outlets.

Headlining the event, WBA #1 ranked heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, takes on knockout artist Christopher Lovejoy (20-1-1, 20 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, in a scheduled 8-round showdown. With both fighters carrying serious power, fans can expect an explosive main event as Hunter looks to solidify his path toward a world title shot while Lovejoy aims to shake up the division.

"I’m coming into this fight with a knockout mentality,” said Hunter. “Lovejoy is tough, but I’m levels above him, and I’ll prove it on fight night. 2025 will be the year I’m crowned world champion.

"People have been doubting me, but I’m here to show I belong with the best,” stated Lovejoy, who is known for his knockout power, as he sees this as a major opportunity. “Hunter better be ready because I’m coming to take his spot."

In the 8-round co-main event, undefeated bantamweight Anthony Garnica (12-0-1, 7 KOs) of Oakland, CA, will take on former world title challenger Aston Palicte (28-7-1, 23 KOs) of Bago City, Philippines. With both fighters looking to take a big step forward in their careers, this clash promises fireworks.

"Palicte has experience, but I’m ready for this moment. I’ve trained for tough fights like this, and I’m going to show why I’m one of the best rising bantamweights in the world," said Garnica.

Also on the card, 2020 Mexican Olympian Brianda Tamara Cruz (1-0) of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, globally known for losing to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s in the 2022 WBT Woman's Golden Belt Series, will compete in a 6-round welterweight bout in her USA debut.

"This is a dream come true. Fighting in the United States is a huge step for me, and I plan to show everyone that I’m ready to take over the welterweight division," said Cruz.

The card will also feature super lightweight Israel Mercado (11-1-2, 7 KOs) from Pomona, CA, in a 10-round bout, lightweight Victor Manuel Lopez Gala (6-1-1, 3 KOs) from Sonora, Mexico, in an 8-round bout, middleweight Raul Salomon (14-2, 12 KOs) from Long Beach, CA, in an 8-round bout, and bantamweight Chantel Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) from Glendale, CA, in a 6-round bout, with all opponents TBA.

Showtime Boxing Promotions executives Lenin Garcia and Reyes Mejia expressed their excitement about bringing this stacked event to Long Beach.

"This is one of the best fight cards we’ve put together, featuring world-class talent and rising stars," said Garcia. "Hunter is on the verge of a title shot, Garnica has the potential to be a future champion, and Brianda Tamara Cruz is making her U.S. debut—this is an event fight fans won’t want to miss."

"Our goal is to showcase elite talent and deliver competitive, entertaining fights,” Mejia added. “April 19 is going to be an incredible night of boxing, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Thunder Studios."

Doors open at 5:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 6:30 pm PT. Tickets priced $87.21 (GENERAL), $108.55 (RESERVED), $151.23 (PREMIUM), $193.92 (VIP), $236.60 (RINGSIDE), plus applicable fees, are available for purchase now at www.eventbrite.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Additional Matchups for Saturday, February 28 Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • SWERVE TV STRIKES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO EXPAND PREMIUM BOXING CONTENT
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Leuenbergers to join IRONMAN® 70.3 Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Open Workout: Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou Prepare For Saturday's Unification Showdown in Puerto Rico
    , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • Cabrera-Zapata Kicks Off All Star Boxing's 2026 Season
    , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: Cash prizes, FIDE rating at stakes this Sunday
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • IBP Fun Run & Family Day on February 15
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON FACE-OFF AT KNICKS GAME AS COUNTDOWN TO ‘THE RING 6’ ON SATURDAY BEGINS
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Davao to sponsor P500K in IRONMAN 70.3
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Gallegos and Alvarez Shine Bright with Knockout Wins at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Pedro Carrasco Remembered in Spain 25 Years After His Passing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Gensan Outdoor, Gensan Educator support MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit in Mt. Apo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • “It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
    , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 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.