Mayfield Ready For Next Career Stage With Top Rank

As BoxingScene.com reported a few days ago, world-rated, undefeated and action contender Karim 'Hard Hitta' Mayfield of San Francisco has signed with Top Rank. Mayfield, 17-0-1, with 10 knockouts, is a tremendously skilled super lightweight with firepower. He is world rated WBO #2, WBA #4 and is trained by Virgil Hunter.

"Top Rank is extremely happy with the signing of Karim, said Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman. "He is a top fighter who will take on anyone, anytime and that in itself takes deserves credit. Our goal, along with Prize Fight Boxing, is to get Karim to the world championship and win it."

Mayfield calls himself 'Hard Hitta' because "I hit everything hard. I don't win by decision, but by collision."

Mayfield was a running back on his high school football team in San Francisco.

"I was maybe 20 years old before I even started boxing," he said. There was a local gym in my neighborhood and I went to check it out. I sparred with a kid who had been boxing for a year or so and I did extremely well - it just inspired and motivated me. I've been with my trainer, Ben Bautista, since day one."

Mayfield was 54-4 in amateur bouts, winning the 2006 Golden Gloves in San Francisco.

"I am naturally righthanded," he said. "I fight fulltime. I also do a little comedy and some fashion design."

Mayfield, a six-year pro, is managed by Marlon Sullivan.

Mayfield, in his HBO debut on Oct. 27, fired hard overhand right-handed punches, in a win over contender Mauricio Herrera in Verona, New York.