Dante Kirkman W6 DePriest Johnson ... Stanford University graduate Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (7-0, 3 KOs), delivered another winning performance this past Thursday night, scoring a unanimous decision victory over DePriest Johnson (4-9, 0 KOs) as part of Roy Englebrecht’s acclaimed Fight Club OC series in Orange County, California. The judges scored the six-round middleweight bout cleanly 60-53 across the board in Kirkman's favor. From the opening bell, Kirkman showcased technical precision, athletic dominance and dictated the pace of the fight. Johnson, known for his grit and durability, struggled to keep up with the 24-year-old’s tempo as Kirkman pressed forward with confidence and control. In the sixth and final round, Kirkman sealed his dominant performance by dropping Johnson with a barrage of body shots, followed by a flurry of punches to the head. Johnson beat the count and survived the round, but it was his third staright loss.
“This was exactly the kind of performance I wanted to deliver,” said Kirkman afterwards. “I’ve worked hard to not just win, but to excite and leave no doubt. From the moment the first bell rang, I knew I could take control. I wanted to show people that I’m not just another undefeated fighter padding a record — I’m here to make a real statement.”
“Finishing the year 7-0 feels great, especially with the momentum we’ve built,” he added on closing out 2025 undefeated and staying busy. “I’ve stayed active, stayed in the gym, and that’s been the key. I'm excited about my growing fan base in Los Angeles, and this was exactly the kind of performance I wanted to deliver for them. I believe these formative years are where the habits are made. Every fight, every round, every sparring session — it all adds up.”
On what this win did for his career and how he wants to continue the momentum into 2026 Kirkman stated, “Beating a guy like Johnson, tough, experienced, and ring savvy, adds another layer to my development. Each win is a building block, and this one reinforced that I can break opponents down systematically. Going into 2026, I want to elevate. Step up the competition, get on more televised cards, and keep refining my craft. This isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey and evolving into the best version of myself inside and outside the ring.”
On when he wants to return to the ring Kirkman concluded saying, “Ideally, I’d like to be back in the first quarter of 2026, late February or early March would be perfect. My body feels good, I’m healthy, and my mind is sharp. The team and I will sit down, review the options, and plot out the next steps. But believe me, the fire is burning hotter than ever.”
With a degree from Stanford and a mind wired for strategy, Kirkman hopes to be the kind of athlete who can lead boxing into its next era.
