Who Is Curmel Moton, The Teenager Who Stole The Show On Diaz v Masvidal Undercard?
The undercard of the Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal boxing event in Anaheim, California on Saturday may have been headlined by Daniel Jacobs’ long-awaited return to the ring, but the show was stolen by impressive teenager Curmel Moton.
Before Jacobs, the former middleweight world champion, ended more than two years out of the ring with a defeat to Shane Mosely Jr. – having missed weight, too – Moton put on a performance that suggested he could be the next exciting lighter-weight prospect to come through the ranks.
Moton, at just 18 years old, destroyed Nikolai Buzolin inside two rounds in a display of blistering speed and ferocious power to claim his third stoppage in his fourth professional bout.
Boxing experts and social media were abuzz at the American’s display, and with the great Floyd Mayweather Jr. a key part of his support, Moton has got the sport talking.
In light of his recent fight, here is the chance to learn more about Curmel Moton.
Boxing Career So Far
Moton (4-0-0 3 KO) turned professional in September last year and has eased through his first four assignments so far. He crushed his debut opponent, Ezequiel Flores, in the first round while appearing on the Canelo Alvarez v Jermell Charlo undercard in Las Vegas.
He then hopped on another high-profile undercard for his second bout, claiming another first-round knockout of Hunter Turbyfill in November 2023 as part of the David Benavidez v Demetrius Andrade show.
The Utah native, who now resides in Las Vegas, claimed a shutout points win over Anthony Cuba in his third fight on the Tim Tszyu v Sebastian Fundora undercard, before his most recent outing on the Daiz v Masvidal bill.
Whether it’s Mayweather or his wider team, they are certainly getting Moton booked on the biggest shows to boost his profile.
Moton’s move into the pro ranks came after an impressive amateur career, during which he amassed an official record of 61 wins against only three losses – made even more impressive considering his age. According to his Instagram bio, he is an 18-time national champion, presumably across different age ranges.
What Weight Does Moton Fight At?
Moton’s bout with Buzolin on Saturday was contested at lightweight but he is focused more on building his career at featherweight and super-featherweight. Yet, the climb to 135lbs made little difference; despite his opponent coming in over the weight limit, Moton still outclassed and overpowered the Russian.
“Made weight per usual. Once again, another one of my opponents missed weight, this time by 3 pounds, but regardless, we’re still accepting the fight and I’ll handle business tomorrow. 4-0,” said Moton ahead of the bout. “Just for this fight, short notice so went at 135. My next fight with a proper camp will be at 126 or 130.”
What Is Moton’s Fight Style?
While it’s still very early days and he will no doubt improve and refine his style, it’s clear already that the teenager possesses two significant attributes: speed and power. In his fights so far, Moton has been throwing heavy and quick combos – and a lot of them. He mixes it up between body and head shots, firing from different angles and refusing to let his opponents settle.
He also has that solid amateur foundation, which gives him the important fundamentals of footwork, a solid defense, and ring craft. At a time when so many professional fighters have had limited amateur experience, Moton has given himself an advantage.
Of course, sterner tests await which will give him the chance to showcase his skills on a higher level, but as he continues to get better with age and experience, we can expect to see him rapidly improve.
How Far Will Moton Go?
The young prospect certainly doesn’t lack confidence, and after his debut immediately called out then featherweight world champion Leigh Wood.
World titles are indeed the ultimate aim, and Mayweather himself believes Moton can go on to become one of the next generation’s great champions.
“I know there’s all eyes on me with Floyd behind my back. It puts a target on me,” Moton said. “I’ve felt pressure my whole life, so this is nothing new for me. I’m used to it. I know that I just have to show up and do what I do.”
As for Mayweather, he said: “I’m happy that I was able to be a part of his life and take him to that next level. He wanted to be great. He’s boxed so many different champions throughout the years, even as an amateur. I just want the best for him, but so much talent.”
