Dante Kirkman aiming to go 4-0 against Jose Cruz

Middleweight prospect Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (3-0, 1 KO) will kick off his 2025 campaign on March 8 in a four-rounder at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California.

Kirkman, a Stanford University senior, has been paired with El Monte’s Jose Cruz, on a bill promoted by Nasser Niavaroni of Uppercut Boxing Promotions.

“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. 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.”

Kirkman is hoping for at least five outings in 2025, building experience, his record and putting his division on notice.

“I need to keep stacking victories, improving, and making a name for myself in the sport,” he said. 

Cruz, 37, has a record of 2-6 (1 KO).