Arizona’s heavyweight Dante Stone, boasting a record of 15-1 with 10 knockouts, is set to storm into his inaugural 10-round bout this Friday at Blue Sports Stable in Superior, Colorado. The 29-year-old titan is on a collision course with Matthew “El Matador” McKinney (16-7-3, 12 KOs) in a clash that headlines an Airtight Boxing event, in cahoots with Toro Promotions.
Stone, riding high on a 15-fight victory wave, recently showcased his might in a unanimous decision victory over fellow Toro Promotions warrior Alexander “The Great” Flores last January, sending Flores to the canvas in the final round. Stone’s introduction to the ring, inspired by his father at age 10, carved a path from a promising amateur to a professional heavyweight contender, mirroring the early career resilience of boxing legend Bernard Hopkins.
Ahead of the fight, Stone acknowledged McKinney’s experience but remained undeterred, citing his own rejuvenated focus and the robust backing of his coaching team as his armor. Stone’s ranks at Toro Promotions are bolstered by an assembly of heavyweight talents, including 2016 Ukrainian Olympian Tsotne Rogava and the formidable Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh, providing a fierce sparring environment that sharpens their combat skills.
Stone’s immediate horizon is firmly fixed on McKinney, who comes into the fight on a three-fight winning streak, but he’s also poised for larger battles, open to seizing significant opportunities that the year might present.
The event will also spotlight Tsotne Rogava in the co-main bout against Jesse Bryan, marking a continuation of Rogava’s knockout streak since turning professional. Additionally, the card features 2016 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan as he looks to rebound against Juan Santiago following his first career setback.
Main Event – Heavyweights – 8 Rounds:
- Dante Stone (Left)
- Location: Chandler, AZ
- Record: 15-1, 10 KOs
- Weight: 271 lbs.
vs.
- Matthew “El Matador” McKinney (Right)
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Record: 16-7-3, 12 KOs
- Weight: 295.8 lbs.
Co-Feature – Heavyweights – 8 Rounds:
- Tsotne Rogava (Left)
- 2020 Ukraine Olympian
- Location: Marina del Rey, CA (Originally from Ukraine and Georgia)
- Record: 6-0, 6 KOs
- Weight: 265.8 lbs.
vs.
- Jesse Bryan (Right)
- Location: Jefferson City, MO
- Record: 21-8-2, 16 KOs
- Weight: 240.4 lbs.
Lightweights – 6 Rounds:
- Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (Left)
- Location: Burbank, CA (Originally from Armenia)
- Record: 10-1-2, 4 KOs
- Weight: 135 lbs.
vs.
- Juan “Chago” Santiago (Right)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Record: 17-24-3, 10 KOs
- Weight: 133.6 lbs.