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Karim Mayfield ready to step-up, plans Amir Khan sparring next week

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
‘Hard Hitta’ aims high following Herrera victory

Undefeated Light-welterweight Karim Mayfield is now looking to further enhance his growing reputation on the back of his standout ten-round win over the tough Californian Mauricio Herrera in New York last week.

The 31 year-old, who improved his record to 17-0 with 10 stoppages with a convincing points win, is now aiming his crosshairs at the best in the 140 division in the hope that a world title shot comes to fruition in 2013.

“Realistically, I believe if I win another fight against a top ten contender, I’ll get my shot, but I feel I’m ready now. It’s going to be interesting to see how everything plays itself out,” Mayfield told World Boxing News.

“Guys like Lamont Peterson, Brandon Rios, Kendall Holt and Ruslan Provodnikov are guys I’m ready to fight right now. I realize that it’s going to take some work from my promoters, Prize Fight and Gary Shaw, so I’m just waiting to see what’s next.”

Mayfield has put himself in the mix for some huge clashes in the coming year, but one fighter that may now be off the American’s hitlist is new gym-mate and former unified light-welterweight champion Amir Khan.

“Actually, he’s training in the Bay Area with Virgil Hunter who also trains me, so I’ve been able to see him up close. We are going to be sparring next week,” said Mayfield, responding to whether he would be interested in a match-up with the Briton.

“I think Amir Khan will definitely come out on top (against Molina). He’s with Virgil now and I think he’s going to get a lot better with him.”

The San Francisco-based ‘Hard-Hitta’ is chomping at the bit to get back in the ring, even though he only fought five days ago, although the WBO NABO title holder doesn’t expect to fight again until at least the New Year.

“I’m healthy so I would like to get back in the ring by January, February at the latest,” he added.

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