Former sparring mate Karim Mayfield expresses interest in a Manny Pacquiao clash come 2014

Karim Mayfield following his weigh-in on Friday afternoon ahead of his match with Chris Fernandez (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)

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By Chris Robinson

Later tonight, inside of the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., undefeated junior welterweight contender Karim Mayfield (17-0-1, 10 KO’s) will face off with journeyman Christopher Fernandez (21-15-1, 13 KO’s) on the undercard of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Brian Vera matchup.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Mayfield made the contracted catch weight limit of 144 pounds and showed off a chiseled physique that was a testament to all the weeks of hard work leading up to his 19th professional bout.

Mayfield was originally lined up to meet tough Mexican Pavel Miranda and gave his best explanation for having to find a late replacement.

“If I’m not mistaken, he didn’t pass some test,” Mayfield said of Miranda. “So they brought in another fighter. Hey, I’m just prepared for whatever comes to me.

“Of course I’ve researched him a little bit,” Mayfield continued, addressing Fernandez. “He’s fought some good opponents; Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Paulie Malignaggi. He fought some good guys and he’s definitely in there to fight.”

A native of San Francisco, Mayfield spent this training camp honing his skills in Las Vegas under his coach Ben Bautista, as he bounced back and forth between the Mayweather Boxing Club and the Top Rank Gym, as well as a few other locales.

While at the Top Rank Gym, Mayfield spent some time sparring with fellow unbeaten Jessie Vargas and seemed to appreciate the competition.

“It was good work,” said Mayfield. “He’s definitely a good contender. Definitely see him being a champion in his weight class. He has an upcoming fight, so he was prepared to get ready for a fight and it was a give and take sparring session. We both learned from the sparring.”

Mayfield is no stranger to making his bones as a sparring partner in years past and two men he has shared the ring with, Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao, are now on his radar.

Bradley defends his WBO welterweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez on Oct. 12 while Pacquiao will meet rugged Brandon Rios on Nov. 23 in Macau, China.

Mayfield confirmed that those particular matchups are of interest to him, regardless of who comes out on top.

“Any of those top four,” said Mayfield. “They all can get it for sure.”

Anyone interested in a look back at Mayfield’s sparring with Pacquiao inisde of the Wild Card can visit the link below… And don’t forget to hit up other recent exclusives from Chris Robinson

Karim spar Manny

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Brian Vera Official weigh-in; both men weigh under 173 pounds

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Undefeated Karim Mayfield (17-0-1, 10 KO’s) weighs in ahead of his match with Chris Fernandez

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2012 Olympian Oscar Valdez (5-0, 5 KO’s) weighs in ahead of his bout with Joe Morales

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Brandon Rios compares Alex Ariza’s workout routine to Angel Heredia’s ahead of Pacquiao match

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Floyd Mayweather Sr. says his son seemed like a different person since getting out of jail

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Miguel Lopez (2-1, 1 KO) sparring Kevin Johnson at the Mayweather Boxing Club

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Nonito Donaire feels Austin Trout can give Mayweather a fight; admits he wa surprised by Danny Garcia

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Mikey Garcia says Rocky Martinez could be his toughest fight yet

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Roger Mayweather not worried about Angel Garcia’s trash talk if Floyd ends up fighting Danny

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Action heats up in J’Leon Love’s sparring session with Aaron Coley at the Mayweather Boxing Club

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Diego Magdaleno mitt work with trainer Joel Diaz ahead of Chavez Jr.-Vera undercard showcase

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Freddie Roach responds to Alex Ariza: ‘I really don’t want to give him any press’

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Roger Mayweather reveals why Saul Alvarez beats Miguel Cotto

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Gennady Golovkin blasting the heavy bag inside of the Summit Gym [Training highlights]

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Miguel Cotto media workout highlights ahead of Delvin Rodriguez clash [HD]

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Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com

 

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