Mayfield Replaces Garcia in Porter fight, Morning Weigh-In Scheduled

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005_Shawn_Porter.0Shawn Porter’s co-feature tomorrow night on Al Haymon’s second showing of his “PBC” series, this time debuting on Spike TV, is officially saved now that late replacement Karim Mayfield has officially signed a contract for what is now a 10 round bout. A source tells Thaboxingvoice.com that Mayfield received the contract and signed it only a few hours ago, and he will be arriving in California in the morning where he is scheduled to weigh in at 11AM PT.

Mayfield (19-2-1, 11KOs) is a more than suitable replacement, especially as far as last minute replacements go. Even though, Mayfield suffered back to back losses to begin 2014 they were against quality opponents. The San Francisco resident bounced back from those two losses by winning a unanimous decision against Michael Balasi in November.

Shawn Porter’s father/trainer, Ken Porter, was a guest on Thaboxingvoice.com’s radio show last night and he was asked about his advanced knowledge of Karim Mayfield as a possible opponent. Ken Porter said that he was aware that Mayfield was being considered, as was Ecuadorian Erick Bone. Ultimately, the decision to go with Mayfield was a calculated one based on Mayfield’s past TV appearances versus the virtual unknown presence of Bone.

It is an interesting situation because Mayfield is definitely disadvantaged due to the last minute nature of his preparation, but Porter, who made weight, is facing almost the complete opposite of what he was originally preparing for. This fight could end up being better in spite of its circumstances.

Mayfield is fighting in place of Roberto Garcia, who was scheduled to face Porter in a 12rounder in the co-feature. Garcia never showed up for his weigh-in and war reportedly overweight by 4 pounds of the agreed upon weight limit.

California State Athletic Commission executive officer Andy Foster told ESPN’s Dan Rafael that Garcia “had to cut too much weight, and he couldn’t do it.”

Tomorrow night’s card is live from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, and it will feature a bout between Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez, both of whom made weight.