Philippines, 25 Jul 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Dante Kirkman Dominates DePriest Johnson in Unanimous Victory at Fight Club OC

PhilBoxing.com





Stanford University Grad Closes out 2025 Undefeated

PALO ALTO, CA (December 13, 2025) – Undefeated middleweight prospect and Stanford University graduate, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (7-0, 3 KOs), delivered another commanding performance this past Thursday night, scoring a unanimous decision victory over the tough and durable DePriest Johnson at The Hangar as part of Roy Englebrecht’s acclaimed Fight Club OC series. The judges scored the 6-round bout cleanly 60-53 across the board in Kirkman's favor, marking his seventh straight professional win and solidifying his growing reputation as one of boxing’s most promising young prospects.

From the opening bell, Kirkman showcased a polished blend of technical precision, athletic dominance, and ring IQ, dictating the pace of the fight with sharp jabs, intelligent movement, and relentless body work. Johnson, known for his grit and durability, struggled to keep up with the 24-year-old’s tempo as Kirkman pressed forward with confidence and control.

In the sixth and final round, Kirkman sealed his dominant performance by dropping Johnson with a relentless barrage of punishing body shots, followed by a vicious flurry of punches to the head, igniting a roar from the crowd at The Hangar. Johnson beat the count and survived the round, but the damage had been done. It was the exclamation mark on a night that belonged entirely to “The Inferno.”

“This was exactly the kind of performance I wanted to deliver,” said Kirkman on scoring a unanimous win with an electrifying performance. “I’ve worked hard to not just win, but to excite and leave no doubt. From the moment the first bell rang, I knew I could take control. I wanted to show people that I’m not just another undefeated fighter padding a record — I’m here to make a real statement.”

“Finishing the year 7-0 feels great, especially with the momentum we’ve built,” he added on closing out 2025 undefeated and staying busy. “I’ve stayed active, stayed in the gym, and that’s been the key. I'm excited about my growing fan base in Los Angeles, and this was exactly the kind of performance I wanted to deliver for them. I believe these formative years are where the habits are made. Every fight, every round, every sparring session — it all adds up.”

On what this win did for his career and how he wants to continue the momentum into 2026 Kirkman stated, “Beating a guy like Johnson, tough, experienced, and ring savvy, adds another layer to my development. Each win is a building block, and this one reinforced that I can break opponents down systematically. Going into 2026, I want to elevate. Step up the competition, get on more televised cards, and keep refining my craft. This isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey and evolving into the best version of myself inside and outside the ring.”

On when he wants to return to the ring Kirkman concluded saying, “Ideally, I’d like to be back in the first quarter of 2026, late February or early March would be perfect. My body feels good, I’m healthy, and my mind is sharp. The team and I will sit down, review the options, and plot out the next steps. But believe me, the fire is burning hotter than ever.”

Kirkman, who earned his nickname “The Inferno” for both his cerebral intensity and scorching body attacks, continues to turn heads not just for his physical gifts, but for his poise and discipline outside the ring. With a degree from Stanford and a mind wired for strategy, Kirkman is proving to be the kind of athlete who can lead boxing into its next era. As 2026 approaches, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see what’s next for this rising star. One thing is certain — Dante Kirkman has arrived, and he’s just getting started.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Magnificent 7 boxers gird for Asiad
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 25 Jul 2026
  • Arca wins silver in Asian Youth in Shenzhen, China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 25 Jul 2026
  • Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga exchange final words at Press Conference ahead of 'The Comeback'
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Fri, 24 Jul 2026
  • SYDNEY SHOWDOWN: Spence and Tszyu Exchange Final Verbal Barbs; Undercard Weight Drama Unfolds at Press Conference
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Fri, 24 Jul 2026
  • Spence vs Tszyu Fight Analysis and Prediction
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Fri, 24 Jul 2026
  • “BUTTERFLY BRAWL” MARKS RETURN TO ICONIC SANTA MONICA PIER
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Fri, 24 Jul 2026
  • AIM Jerick Faeldonia vying for Bangkok chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 24 Jul 2026
  • PHILBOXING.COM THURSDAY ROUNDUP: Scale Shock in Pattaya, Red Sea Staredowns, and Final Countdown to Sydney
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Thu, 23 Jul 2026
  • USA Boxing Sends Eight Boxers to Italy for International Duel
    , Thu, 23 Jul 2026
  • P248k prize on the line in Moon Cake Festival Pro Amateur 10-ball tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 23 Jul 2026
  • Super Lightweight Contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin Inks Promotional Pact with Top Rank
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Thu, 23 Jul 2026
  • DUELING TUNE-UPS: Joshua and Fury Play High-Stakes Chicken Across Asia with November Mega-Fight Hanging in the Balance
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • Chavon Stillwell and Izaiah Dent Put Their Perfect Records on the Line in a Can't-Miss Main Event at BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights"
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • Unbeaten Bizhamov faces Mironchikov in IBA Pro 20 main event in Naberezhnye Chelny
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • Cuarto ready to fight Paradero
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • CHAVES DEFENDS WBO LATINO TITLE AGAINST GARCIA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • Undefeated Middleweight Prospect Sebastian Juarez Returns August 8 Against Rance Ward
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and WBC Cares visits Pedro Fiorito Hospital in Avellaneda, Argentina
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Jul 2026
  • COLD SHOULDER IN SYDNEY: Spence and Tszyu Trade Snubs and Staredowns at Grand Arrivals Launch
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Suarez, Lewkowicz Ask the WBO to Enforce Navarrete Rematch and Begin Negotiations Immediately
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 JULY 2026: Papot Outpoints Eubank; Pacheco Stops Aleem; Suarez Smokes Avila in One Round
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Fiery Exchange at Fanatics Fest: Garcia and Benn Nearly Brawl in New York Ahead of Sept. 12 Title Clash
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • John Michael Zulueta Headlines in Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Results from Dominican Republic: Alberto Puello Stops Ángel Bolaño in 3
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Matchroom Boxing reveals major fights in UK & Ireland schedule from August to October
    , Tue, 21 Jul 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.