WBA #1 ranked heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, takes on knockout artist Christopher Lovejoy (20-1-1, 20 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, in a scheduled 8-round showdown set for April 19, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
With both fighters carrying serious power, fans can expect an explosive main event as Hunter looks to solidify his path toward a world title shot while Lovejoy aims to shake up the division.
“I’m coming into this fight with a knockout mentality,” said Hunter. “Lovejoy is tough, but I’m levels above him, and I’ll prove it on fight night. 2025 will be the year I’m crowned world champion.
“People have been doubting me, but I’m here to show I belong with the best,” stated Lovejoy, who is known for his knockout power, as he sees this as a major opportunity. “Hunter better be ready because I’m coming to take his spot.”
In the 8-round co-main event, undefeated bantamweight Anthony Garnica (12-0-1, 7 KOs) of Oakland, CA, will take on former world title challenger Aston Palicte (28-7-1, 23 KOs) of Bago City, Philippines. With both fighters looking to take a big step forward in their careers, this clash promises fireworks.
“Palicte has experience, but I’m ready for this moment. I’ve trained for tough fights like this, and I’m going to show why I’m one of the best rising bantamweights in the world,” said Garnica.
Also on the card, 2020 Mexican Olympian Brianda Tamara Cruz (1-0) of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, globally known for losing to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s in the 2022 WBT Woman’s Golden Belt Series, will compete in a 6-round welterweight bout in her USA debut.
“This is a dream come true. Fighting in the United States is a huge step for me, and I plan to show everyone that I’m ready to take over the welterweight division,” said Cruz.
The card will also feature super lightweight Israel Mercado (11-1-2, 7 KOs) from Pomona, CA, in a 10-round bout, lightweight Victor Manuel Lopez Gala (6-1-1, 3 KOs) from Sonora, Mexico, in an 8-round bout, middleweight Raul Salomon (14-2, 12 KOs) from Long Beach, CA, in an 8-round bout, and bantamweight Chantel Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) from Glendale, CA, in a 6-round bout, with all opponents TBA.
