MICHAEL HUNTER will be expected to begin his 2025 with a convincing win on April 19.
The WBA number two heavyweight contender faces Christopher Lovejoy, 20-1-1, 20 KOs, over eight rounds at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
Hunter, who holds a win over Martin Bakole, hasn’t faced any top level opposition since December 2019 when he and Alexander Povetkin shared the spoils over 12 rounds.
‘The Bounty’ is still in a good position, however, and in the recent WBA rankings climbed from third to second to move him one spot behind Fabio Wardley. If Hunter, 24-1-2, 17 KOs, keeps winning then there is every chance we will see the 36-year-old get a shot at WBA Regular titlist Kubrat Pulev. The Bulgarian is rumoured to be facing Wardley this year but there has been no official announcement.
Ahead of his April 19 bout, Hunter said: “I’m coming into this fight with a knockout mentality. 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.”
Lovejoy, 41, began his professional career in Mexico nine years ago and has a persona as big as his frame. After 19 fights the Vegas-based fighter travelled to Germany to test his credentials against Mahmoud Charr but got knocked out in the second round.
“People have been doubting me, but I’m here to show I belong with the best,” said Lovejoy, 41.
“Hunter better be ready because I’m coming to take his spot.”
