Frisco Fight Night is Oct. 17 in the Fillmore

by JR Valrey

Fillmore boxing legend and former Nabo Jr. Welterweight and WBU Welterweight America’s title/belt holder Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield and his brother, rapper Ronski, are putting together “Frisco Fight Night” on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the African American Art and Culture Complex in San Francisco.

At all of Karim’s boxing events in the past, his team has featured a wide array of exciting talent from all ethnicities, ages and genders in the boxing ring. His events have the local flavor, ism and sauce, mixed with the professionalism of a national event.

I talked with the champ, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield, about the upcoming “Frisco Fight Night,” his free weekly youth program SoulChamp and his career.

Frisco Fight Night will be one of the last big events held at the African American Art and Culture Complex before it closes on Oct. 31 for a three-year retrofitting project.

JR Valrey: Can you talk about the upcoming Frisco Fight Night? What is it? Where? When?

Hard Hitta: Frisco Fight Night is a community boxing event for weekend warriors and regular people — not professional boxers — to compete in organized matchups. It will take place on Oct. 17 at the African American Art & Culture Complex, located at 762 Fulton St. in San Francisco. It’s about bringing boxing, entertainment and the community together.

JR Valrey: How will this Frisco Fight Night be different from the other two boxing events that you’ve organized?

Hard Hitta: One of the biggest differences is that my brother Ronski and I are coming together to put this event on. It will feature fighters from throughout the Bay Area, instead of being centered mainly on local San Francisco fighters. We’ll have special guests stepping into the ring, and the event will be streamed live, so people can watch from anywhere.

JR Valrey: As a retired professional boxer, what makes a great amateur boxer?

Hard Hitta: A great amateur boxer is disciplined, coachable and consistent. You need solid fundamentals, conditioning, ring intelligence and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Talent matters, but work ethic and the willingness to listen and learn are what separate a good amateur from a great one.

JR Valrey: What was the biggest fight of your career, in your opinion? Why?

Hard Hitta: The biggest fight of my career was the fight in which I won the title. That victory gave me national exposure, raised my profile and opened the door to bigger fights and better paydays. It changed the direction of my career.

JR Valrey: What local boxer are you excited about? Why?

Hard Hitta: I’m excited about Amari Jones out of Oakland. I believe he has what it takes to become a champion. On the amateur side, I’m excited about my boxer, Moises Moraga. Moises is a San Francisco boxer, born and raised, who is preparing to turn professional in 2027. He started with my youth program five years ago and has also worked at my business, Authentic 415, for those same five years. Watching his development inside and outside the ring has been special.

JR Valrey: Can you talk about your youth boxing program? When and where is it? How much does it cost?

Hard Hitta: SoulChamp is my free youth-development program at the African American Art & Culture Complex, located at 762 Fulton St. We combine boxing and fitness with technology, mental wellness, mentorship, live percussion and important life skills. Our sessions are held on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The goal is to help young people build discipline, confidence, emotional control and skills they can use beyond boxing.

JR Valrey: What was your regimen as a professional boxer to stay in shape?

Hard Hitta: My regimen was built around consistency. It included conditioning and roadwork, bag and mitt work, sparring, strength training, disciplined nutrition and proper recovery. The most important part was mental discipline — continuing to do the work even on the days when I didn’t feel like doing it.

JR Valrey: How can people get more information about Frisco Fight Night?

Hard Hitta: People can follow me on Instagram at @KarimHardhittamayfield or follow my brother Ronski at @Mobetta_Mochedda for updates about the fighters, tickets and livestream. Anyone interested in fighting can also send either of us a direct message with their height and weight.

JR Valrey is a veteran journalist and Editor in Chief at the San Francisco Bay View. He can be reached at [email protected]

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Source: https://sfbayview.com/2026/10/frisco-fight-night-is-oct-17-in-the-fillmore/