“He’s fast. I’ve watched some tape of his fights,“ Mayfield said during my visit to Andre Ward's gym a few weeks ago.“He’s definitely a good opponent. I’ve never really had bad opponents. I never take anyone lightly, he said. "I’m going in there thinking I’m fighting Floyd Mayweather.”
Marlon Sullivan, Mayfield's manager, agreed.
"Raymond is a good young prospect with a solid jab, technically sound and goes to the body well, "said Sullivan who was also at the gym.”Obviously, he's going to be tough coming out of Philadelphia."
Mayfield ventured to Mississippi last October and captured the NABO title. He punished Patrick Lopez over 10 one-sided rounds. The victory was a special one for the native San Franciscan. When he began to box over ten years ago, virtually no one predicted he would be successful. A few months ago, he made the decision to hook up with trainer Virgil Hunter.
“For the most part the biggest reason was the camp setting," Mayfield said who has worked with Hunter in the past. "I’ve been able to focus on fighting and not running here and there. Plus, being on this side of the bridge is where I do my hypoxia training.
"I’m also enjoying being around a bunch of professionals. That definitely has helped a lot. But for the most part we just added to the program."
Sullivan has been observing the Mayfield/Hunter pairing. He likes what he sees.
"The addition of Virgil Hunter to 'Team Mayfield' has been nothing short of spectacular," said Sullivan. "Karim is becoming a complete fighter right before our eyes."
Sparring mate and hot prospect Stan "The Man" Martyniouk (10-1, 1 KO) has also been impressed by Mayfield.
"Karim is really sharp," said Martyniouk by phone. "I think this is the fastest I've ever seen him."
Mayfield can feel his body getting ready for fight night.
“I’ve always had a tremendous right hand," said Mayfield. "For the most part we’ve been working on my left. Also, I’m working on being in great condition, he said."Virgil really emphasizes having bottled up energy. I’m not running around in the city that much. I’m going home and resting. He’s serious about focusing.”
A little over a year ago Mayfield began to work with controversial strength training guru Victor Conte. He's a believer in Conte's method.
“Yes, I feel that it works," Mayfield said. "The science doesn’t lie. You can tell by your numbers when you’re doing well."
Serrano is nine years younger than Mayfield. Is the hard-hitting contender concerned about the age difference?
"I haven’t had any wars," Mayfield said. "I feel great, real strong. The older guys are doing real well. So, yeah I feel great."
Mayfield hopes one day to defend his title in San Francisco.
“It’s one hundred percent guaranteed this summer. My brothers promotional company would be promoting,” said Mayfield. "The card would be all local guys.”
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