Dante Kirkman Scores First Career Knockout in Front of Hometown Fans
image 674134af2704a.webp
Junior middleweight Dante Kirkman delivered a major milestone performance on Saturday night, earning his first professional knockout with a third-round TKO over Jose Rodriguez. Fighting at the Fox Theater in Redwood City, California, Kirkman thrilled the hometown crowd, dropping Rodriguez twice with brutal body shots before the referee ended the bout at 2:37 of Round 3.
A Night to Remember
For the 23-year-old, the win was more than just another fight—it was a defining moment. “Getting my first knockout was an amazing feeling,” Kirkman said. “It’s something every fighter dreams about, and doing it here, with my hometown fans cheering me on, made it unforgettable.”
Kirkman is no ordinary boxer. In addition to his growing boxing career, he’s a full-time student at Stanford University, balancing intense training with rigorous academics. As the only professional boxer currently representing Stanford, Kirkman takes pride in his roots and the community that supports him.
“There’s nothing like fighting in front of the people who’ve been with me since the beginning,” he said. “Palo Alto and Stanford feel like home, and I want to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter where they’re from.”
What’s Next for Kirkman?
Now boasting a 3-0 (1 KO) record, Kirkman sees this victory as the first of many. “This win is just the beginning,” he declared. “I’m ready to get back in the gym, keep improving, and stay active. My goal is to prove I belong with the best in the division and work my way up the rankings.”
With his combination of athletic talent, academic excellence, and determination, Kirkman is one to watch in the boxing world. Whether it’s representing his hometown fans, excelling as a Stanford student, or chasing success in the ring, Kirkman is determined to leave his mark.
