When HBO “Boxing After Dark” heads to Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday it pairs two junior welterweights Thomas Dulorme and Karim Mayfield in a interesting crossroads bout.

Dulorme, nine years younger than Mayfield is on a four fight winning streak since suffering his sole loss against Luis Abregu up at welterweight.

The young Puerto Rican is now campaigning at 140 and keen to test his skills against Mayfield, acknowledging what his wily veteran opponent brings to the ring

“Mayfield is a very awkward fighter who can punch with power in both hands. I’ve seen him fight before and he has some physical weaknesses that I will take advantage of.” said Dulorme.

As for the unbeaten Mayfield, he see’s both strengths and weaknesses in Dulorme’s game.

“I know Dulorme is a very technical fighter with a long rangy jab. He has pretty good hand speed but he has some flaws. I know his chin is a bit suspect so I’m going to test it throughout the fight.”

Gary Shaw see’s this as a great opportunity for both fighters believing they’ll bring out the best in each other.

“The NABF title will be on the line, which should give each fighter even more incentive to let it all hang out.

"The fact that Dulorme now has Garcia as his new trainer, will be interesting to see if he fights the same style, or there are major changes to his game. Dulorme is a sensational boxer with good power, while Mayfield is awkward and can punch himself.

"The winner of this fight will move on to a potential world title bout in the near future. I'm expecting a fan friendly fight and everyone should be tuning in.” said Shaw

The event is headlined by Russian wrecking machine Sergey Kovalev who is looking to defend his WBO light heavyweight title against Chicago’s Cedric Agnew. Dulorme-Mayfield is chief support, the TV segment gets underway at 10PM ET/PT.

Both Dulorme and Mayfield took time out of their hectic schedules to speak with Maxboxing ahead of their upcoming fight.

Anson Wainwright - On March 29, you both meet for the vacant NABF 140-pound title. What are your thoughts on the fight?

Thomas Dulorme – This is a big fight for my career. A win against a tough fighter like Mayfield will get me closer to a world title opportunity. I know what I have to do and I’m prepared to go to war.

Karim Mayfield - Dulorme is highly ranked across the board so I know what is on the line. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans because we are both warriors. He doesn’t seem like a guy who likes to run so there will be a lot of explosive exchanges in which I believe will be to my benefit.

AW - What do you think of him in terms of what he brings to the ring?

TD – Mayfield is a very awkward fighter who can punch with power in both hands. I’ve seen him fight before and he has some physical weaknesses that I will take advantage of.

KM – I know Dulorme is a very technical fighter with a long rangy jab. He has pretty good hand speed but he has some flaws. I know his chin is a bit suspect so I’m going to test it throughout the fight.

AW - Tell us about your preparation for this bout?

TD – I’ve been working very hard with Robert Garcia. I arrived in Oxnard about 7 weeks ago. Alex Ariza has been doing all my strength and conditioning. I feel incredible. I’ve been sparring with some good guys and I’m going to be ready for whatever Mayfield brings to the ring.

KM – Everything has been going good. All the sparring is almost complete. Virgil has some great fighters in camp so I’m getting good work. All the hard work is going to pay off when I step in the ring.

AW - This fight takes on added importance as the winner is reportedly in line to face Ruslan Provodnikov for the WBO crown in June?

TD – Yes, the winner inches closer to a world title opportunity with Provodnikov. With that being said, I’m going to fight smart and come out victorious.

KM - The time is now for me to seize the moment and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point and I’m not going to let it slip away. Provodnikov is certainly on my hit list.

AW - Thomas, this will be your fifth fight in the last 18months since you lost to Luis Abregu. Since then you have dropped down to 140. Can you tell us about how you’ve rebuilt your career since and how you feel at 140?

TD – 140 is where I feel most comfortable. I can feel the power in my punches being more effective. This was a great move for me and with the help of Alex Ariza I feel unstoppable. This is the weight where I will make my run to a world title.

AW - Karim, you’ve been on the outside looking in for most of your career, last year you were only in action once, why was that?

KM – It was hard getting people to fight me. I’m a dangerous fighter so no one was willing to give me a fight. I’ve always had to deal with some type of adversity in my career but that’s what makes me strive to prove everyone wrong. I’m with Top Rank now and I’m happy where my career is heading.

Do you have a message for your each other?

TD – Mayfield, on March 29th you will see what it’s like to face a world class fighter like myself. I’m going to bring a victory home to my people in Puerto Rico. Be ready for a war!

KM – You can’t change the fact that your chin is suspect and I’m going to test it all night long Mr. Dulorme. You’ve never been in a fight with a junk yard dog like me. I’m a different animal. I will break you down come fight night, believe that.
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him at www.twitter.com/AnsonWainwright.