Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA, CA (December 1, 2025) – Unbeaten middleweight prospect and Stanford University grad, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (6-0, 3 KOs) will look to close out an impressive 2025 campaign when he steps back into the ring on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, as part of Roy Englebrecht’s long-running Fight Club OC series.

Kirkman will square off in a scheduled 6-round bout against DePriest Johnson of Houston, Texas, a tough determined opponent who has never been stopped. Kirkman is looking to give Johnson his first professional loss by knockout.  The December 11 matchup marks Kirkman’s fourth fight in 2025, a year that has seen him steadily rise through the middleweight ranks while building a loyal fan base.
“Staying active is everything in this game,” said Kirkman. “I’ve been blessed to stay busy, stay healthy, and stay winning. To end the year 7-0 would be a huge momentum boost heading into 2026. DePriest Johnson is a durable and strong, aggressive fighter who always comes to win.  That’s exactly the type of challenge I want at this point in my career and my goal is to end the fight early. Every fight is a step forward, and I’m ready to show that I belong on the big stage.”
A win over Johnson would be another statement victory for the young prospect, who has his sights set on national recognition and bigger opportunities in the new year.
“Every win adds to the story I’m trying to write,” Kirkman added. “Beating a guy like Johnson in a big show like Fight Club OC puts me one step closer to where I want to be, fighting on major cards, contending for titles, and representing my team at the highest level. I bring energy, intensity, and heart. I’m called ‘The Inferno’ for a reason, I come to light it up in the ring. Whether it goes one round or all six, I promise fans a performance they won’t forget.”

# # #
About Dante “The Inferno” KirkmanDante Kirkman, a rising middleweight prospect from Palo Alto, CA, is the only Stanford University graduate to climb the ranks of professional boxing. Known for his relentless pressure, high ring IQ, and crowd-pleasing style, Kirkman is undefeated with a record of (6-0, 3 KOs). He is trained by former world title challenger Eddie Croft and continues to climb the ranks with every fight, earning a reputation as one of the division’s most exciting up-and-comer