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, 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.
