PALO ALTO, CA (September 8, 2025) – From the opening bell, Stanford graduate and rising middleweight prospect Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (5-0, 2 KOs) showcased complete command in his latest outing, scoring a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dylan Carlson (2-11-3, 1 KO) in a four-round bout at “Thunder Showdown III”, held this past Saturday, September 6 at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

Promoted by Nasser Niavaroni of Uppercut Boxing Promotions, the event saw Kirkman bring the heat early and often, walking Carlson down and unleashing crisp, calculated combinations throughout. Judges saw it the same way, scoring the bout 40-36 across the board in favor of Kirkman.

“I felt sharp in there,” Kirkman said after the fight. “From the first round on, I wanted to make a statement by setting the pace and showing what I’ve been working on in camp. I respect Carlson for coming to fight, but I knew I had the tools to control every round—and I think I did that.”

The victory marks the fifth straight win for Kirkman, who continues to turn heads with each appearance in the ring. With a growing fan base and momentum on his side, he’s hungry for more before the year ends. “I’d love to get back in there one more time before the end of 2025,” he shared. “I’m healthy, I’m motivated, and I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what I can do. Every fight, I’m leveling up.”

Balancing brains and brawn, Kirkman brings an unusual pedigree to the sport, having completed a rigorous academic journey at Stanford University before launching his professional boxing career. “Four years at Stanford taught me discipline and mental toughness,” Kirkman reflected. “Now, I’m learning how to channel that same drive into my boxing career. Every fight is another step forward, and I’m starting to see the picture come together.”

With another decisive performance behind him, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman continues to blaze his path in the middleweight division, building momentum toward what’s shaping up to be a breakout run.

PALO ALTO, CA (August 27, 2025) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (4-0, 2 KOs) has officially locked in his opponent for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. The 4-round showdown will see Kirkman take on tough Oregon native Dylan Carlson (2-10-3, 1 KO), a gritty and durable competitor who has never been stopped in his professional career. The bout will be part of the stacked “Thunder Showdown III” event, promoted by Nasser Niavaroni of Uppercut Boxing Promotions.

After weeks of anticipation, Kirkman is eager to finally have his opponent confirmed and his focus locked in for fight night. “Securing an opponent always feels like that final piece clicking into place,” said Kirkman. “Now it’s real. Now we go to war. I’ve stayed patient and stayed in the gym, and I’m ready to show everyone why they call me ‘The Inferno.’”

On fighting Carlson, who has never been knocked out, Kirkman, who recently just graduated from Stanford University, gives his thoughts on fighting a durable opponent. “Dylan Carlson is the kind of fighter who doesn’t quit,” continued Kirkman. “He’s been in there with undefeated guys who hit hard and push the pace, and no one’s put him away. That tells me everything I need to know—he’s coming to fight, and I respect that. But I’m ready to test myself against someone who’s never been stopped.

Known for his sharp fundamentals, high work rate, and explosive power, Kirkman promises to bring a new level of intensity to the ring as he continues building momentum in the middleweight division. “Expect me to throw a tremendous amount of punches in this fight as I’m in incredible shape,” Kirkman concluded. “Expect pressure. Expect growth. Every time I step in that ring, I’m sharpening my craft and raising the bar. September 6, I’m fighting for everyone who believes in me, and I’m going to put on a show.”