San Francisco's Mayfield TKOs Forbes in 10 rounds

Share

June 17, 2011

Ryan Maquiana
CSNBayArea.com

AUSTIN, TXIn the opening bout of ESPN2s Friday Night Fights, San Francisco welterweight Karim Hard Hitta Mayfield took a giant step in his boxing career with a tenth-round stoppage of former world champion Steve 2 Pounds Forbes.Behind a heavy overhand right and effective pressure, Mayfield, 146.5, mugged Forbes, 149, throughout the bout and prevented the Las Vegas resident from mounting a consistent offensive attack, as the Fillmore native built a sizable lead heading into the final frame.After a series of blows to the head and body had Forbes (35-10, 11 KOs) reeling into the ropes for cover, Mayfield (14-0-1, 9 KOs) unleashed a final salvo that prompted referee Gregorio Alvarez to call a halt to the bout at 1:03.The moment would mark the first knockout loss of Forbess career as well as a milestone for the rising Hard Hitta, who passed the ten-round barrier for the first time as a pro.I definitely attribute my stamina to the camp both down in L.A. (with Pacquiao) and up in the Bay, said Mayfield, who trains at SFC Boxing in the Tenderloin. My strategy with my coach was to come forward and impose my will on him, and that was also a big key to the win.REWIND: S.F.'s Mayfield to prepare Pacquia for Mosley
It was going to be hard for Forbes to adjust to Karims style, reflected longtime trainer Ben Bautista in the locker room. Before the fight, I knew Karim was going to give him some trouble.With over a year having elapsed since his previous fight, the clock had been ticking on the 30-year-olds stagnant status in the boxing world. However, a month in Hollywood as Manny Pacquiaos sparring partner along with a new contract with Prize Fight Promotions opened the doors necessary for Mayfield to get this opportunity to fight in front of a national audience.It felt good to silence the naysayers and accomplish the victory in front of about 30 friends and family, said Mayfield, whose wife Shanda and three children will commemorate Emancipation Day with him upon his return. It took a heap of money to fly everyone out, but Im just thankful right now for all the support. I cant wait to come home tomorrow and celebrate Juneteenth at the Civic Center.

Contact Us