B/R Exclusive Interview with Karim Mayfield as He Targets Steve Forbes in Texas

Boxers Karim Mayfield and Steve Forbes are nothing alike.

Mayfield has fought only 13 people; Forbes has fought 44. Mayfield is built; Forbes is quick, but not so big.

ESPN has decided to televise the fight on Friday Night Fights and it happens to be Mayfield’s first nationally televised fight.

Karim Mayfield is 13-0-1 and is 30 years old. It has been tough for him to prepare for someone of Steve Forbes' caliber.

“I did a lot of basic training,” said Mayfield. “You know, sparring and spring training.”

Even though Forbes has fought 44 times, Mayfield has tried to keep his eye on the prize and not let his emotions take over.

“My mindset is to stay focused,” said Mayfield. “I just have to stick to my game plan and everything will work itself out.”

In 2007, Forbes beat Francisco Bojado for the Junior Welterweight belt.

Mayfield is looking forward to the challenge.

“It means a lot to fight Forbes,” said Mayfield. “He was a former champ and maybe after this fight, I will be a household name.”

Mayfield has studied Forbes for a long time and wasn’t afraid to comment on Forbes' strengths and weaknesses, in addition to his own.

“Forbes’ strength is his experience in the ring, but he doesn’t have a lot of power,” said Mayfield. “My strength is my speed and power.”

Boxing goes beyond the ring for Mayfield.

“I was influenced by a lot of people,” said Mayfield. “My mom, my friends—and my friends and family that passed away.”

Mayfield had the opportunity to play other sports, but chose boxing instead, for a simple reason.

“There was a gym in my area where I grew up,” said Mayfield.

Mayfield plans on boxing for as long as he can.

With only 13 fights under his belt, Mayfield had no trouble saying that this will be his toughest and most important fight.

“My best fight before this was against Francisco Santana. Forbes is going to be a great fight and will boost my ranking a lot.”

Mayfield's new manager, Marlon Sullivan, is thrilled to be working with him.

“First Mayfield had a slow start, but things are taking a turn for the best,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan is also co-founder of Spanatix, a web-based social network platform geared towards dedicated sports fans.

The fight will be this Friday, June 17^th, on ESPN2. It takes place in Austin, Texas, in the welterweight division.

Steve Forbes was not available for comment.

**All quotes were obtained from a telephone interview I conducted with Mayfield yesterday**