Payano "Maraon is in the way of my dream"

At press conference was held today at Franklin Steakhouse in Nutley, New Jersey, to discuss tomorrow night's (Friday, June 14) ESPN Friday Night Fights boxing event at the Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain in West Orange.

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and GH3 Promotions in association with Acquinity Sports and First Round Promotions, 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.

The following are excerpts from the conference:

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.

Tickets are priced at $35, $50, $75, and $100 Ringside (Rows 1-2). VIP Tables for 10 are also available that include dinner. To purchase, please call 888.612.4191.To purchase tickets, please call 888.612.4191. For more information, visit gcpboxing.com or www.gh3promotions.com.

On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30. The Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey.