The final press conference along with the official weigh-ins were held today for tomorrow’s ESPN Friday Night Fights boxing event at the Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain in West Orange.
The exciting night of world-class boxing will feature, in the 12-round main event, undefeated Philippine knockout artist Jundy Maraon (15-0-1, 12 KOs) taking on undefeated NABA and WBA Fedelatin Bantamweight Champion, Dominican Juan Carlos Payano (13-0, 7 KOs), and in the eight-round super-bantamweight co-feature, New Brunswick, New Jersey’s Jorge “King” Diaz (17-1, 10 KOs) will face Dominican bull Yenifel Vicente (24-1-2, 16 KOs) for the WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight Title.
Weights from West Orange, NJ
Jundy Maraon 116.5 – Juan Carlos Payano 116.9
Yenifel Vicente 123 – Jorge Diaz 122
Antoine Douglas 159.5 – Ibaheim King 160.5
Lavarn Harvell 176.5 – Paul Vasquez 176.5
Anthony Gangemi 147.5 – Anthony Prescott 148
Ricky Edwards 135.5 – Larry Yanez 136.5
Tyrell Wright 205 – Moises Marshall 220
Samuel Teah 139 – Terrell James TBA
Shakur Jackson 147.5 – Michael Pickett 152.5
Greg Cohen (Greg Cohen Promotions)
The featured fight and co-feature could both be on HBO and Showtime and they should be wars.
Jundy Maraon (15-0-1, 12 KOs)
I want to thank my team. This is going to be a great fight.
Juan Carlos Payano (13-0, 7 KOs)
I know Jundy is powerful but I came to do my thing. My dream is to become champ and Maraon is in the way of my dream.
Nonito Donaire Sr. (Maraon Trainer)
It’s going to be a good fight. Hopefully Payano will engage with Maraon.
Henry Rivalta (Acquinity Sports, promoter of Payano)
Payano is dedicated like no other fighter I see. We respect Maraon very much, but I put my money on my guy. This will be one of the fights of the year.
Jorge “King” Diaz (17-1, 10 KOs)
I want to capitalize on this opportunity.
Yenifel Vicente (24-1-2, 16 KOs)
I come prepared for this fight. I have what it takes. I guarantee a war.
Antoine Douglas (7-0, 5 KOs)
Where I come from, we are bread fighters. This is a step for me. I will take pride in my victory.
Lavarn Harvell (12-0, 7 KOs)
I am ready for anything and my opponent better be ready too.
Gabe LaConte (Promoter of Lavarn Harvell)
The 1st time I saw Harvell fight, I knew he was a born fighter. He has heavy hands and fans should not get up for popcorn. I’ll never get a fighter as good as Harvell.
