COSTA MESA, CA (October 24, 2025) – Middleweight prospect Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (6-0, 3 KOs) continued his rapid rise through the ranks last night with a dominant second-round stoppage of hard-hitting opponent Wesley Vanderlinden (4-2-1, 4 KOs) in a scheduled six-round co-main event bout at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California. The fight was part of Roy Englebrecht’s iconic Fight Club OC series, a proving ground for boxing’s top young talent.

The opening round saw Kirkman take a measured approach, using movement and timing to feel out his opponent. The Stanford University grad’s timing and power were on full display. Midway through the round, he landed a sharp body shot that visibly hurt Vanderlinden, who managed to survive the round despite showing signs of trouble. In Round 2, Kirkman turned up the pressure. After calmly walking Vanderlinden down, he seized the perfect opening, capitalizing on a lazy jab with a devastating counter right hand that rocked his opponent. With Vanderlinden staggering, Kirkman closed the show with a relentless flurry, forcing the referee to step in and wave it off.

The fight marked Kirkman’s first appearance in Southern California, a boxing hotbed known for its deep talent pool and loyal fight fan base. “Fighting in Southern California for the first time was special,” said Kirkman. “The energy from the crowd was electric, and it pushed me to another level. This was one of those nights where everything came together — preparation, focus, execution. I wanted to leave a strong impression on the fans, and I think I did exactly that.

With six straight wins, three by knockout, Kirkman is gaining momentum as one of the most intriguing young fighters in the middleweight division. The 24-year-old prospect sees this victory as a key stepping stone in his development. “Vanderlinden came in with power, but I wasn’t going to let him get comfortable. I controlled the pace and showed what I’m capable of. This win shows I’m evolving. I’m more than just power — I’m learning how to break guys down and finish them when the time’s right,” Kirkman said. “I’m ready for tougher tests. I want to stay active, keep climbing, and get myself into the conversation for bigger fights by next year.”

Kirkman’s polished performance and poise under the lights signal a fighter who’s not just undefeated, but one with a clear vision and hunger for more. The Northern California prospect is looking to fight one more time by the end of the year.

“I’m hoping to get one more fight in 2025,” concluded Kirkman. “I have a great team behind me, and I believe my future is bright. All the hard work is paying off and it’s show in my performances.”

COSTA MESA, CA (October 9, 2025) – Undefeated middleweight prospect, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (5-0, 2 KOs), will step into the ring for his Southern California debut on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Hangar in Costa Mesa as part of Roy Englebrecht’s long-running Fight Club OC series. Kirkman, a proud graduate of Stanford University, will face heavy-handed Simi Valley native Wesley Vanderlinden (4-1-1, 4 KOs) in a scheduled 6-round bout that marks the toughest test of his young career.

Kirkman, known for his technical precision, high ring IQ, and calm-under-fire demeanor, enters this fight riding a wave of momentum. With Vanderlinden bringing a 100% knockout ratio in his four wins, the matchup is a classic clash of styles…refined skill versus raw power, and one that is expected to deliver fireworks to the passionate Southern California boxing crowd.

While this will be Kirkman’s first appearance in Southern California, he’s no stranger to high-pressure environments, balancing world-renowned university academics and elite athletic training during his time at Stanford. Now, he’s ready to bring that same discipline and fire to Costa Mesa. “This is the fight I’ve been waiting for,” said Kirkman. “Making my Southern California debut is a big step in my journey, and I plan to put on a performance that shows I belong among the best prospects in the division.”

Kirkman has used his training camp to sharpen his fundamentals and build the kind of endurance that will allow him to dictate the pace against a dangerous puncher like Vanderlinden. “Wesley is tough, no question. He’s strong and aggressive, but I’ve prepared for that with the guidance of my trainer Eddie Croft and the support of SNAC Nutrition,” Kirkman added. “This is a chance for me to show the fans there that I can out-think and out-fight someone who brings real heat. I’m here to control the action, not react to it.”

Beyond his undefeated record, Kirkman carries with him a deep sense of pride, representing both his hometown and the values of his alma mater every time he steps into the ring. “I carry the Stanford name with me into every fight, not just the school, but what it represents…excellence, grit, and pushing past limits,” Kirkman concluded. “A win on October 23 keeps me on track toward becoming not just a great fighter, but a complete professional in and out of the ring.”

Promoted by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Fight Club OC is widely regarded as one of the best regional boxing platforms in the country. Known for its packed cards and loyal fight fan base, the series has helped launch the careers of many West Coast fighters—and now it serves as a proving ground for Kirkman’s national rise.

The October 23 event promises to deliver another thrilling night of competitive matchups, with Kirkman vs. Vanderlinden standing out as a must-watch for fans of rising talent.

Tickets priced $75, $95, $100 and $200 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (949) 760-3131 or online at TIX.com. The OC Fair/The Hanger is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. (General Public Enter – Gate 1 off Fair Dr.) Map & Directions