The August 24, 2024, clash at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City was a showcase for the rising star, Curmel Moton (5-0-0 4 KOs). The young prospect, groomed under the watchful eye of Floyd Mayweather, has been carving his path in the lightweight division with a series of impressive victories. On this night, Moton continued his ascent, but the fight’s lack of competition left fans questioning the quality of his opposition.
Moton’s entrance was reminiscent of Mayweather’s theatrics in his bout against Oscar De La Hoya. Donning trunks trimmed with the colors of the Mexican flag, Moton made a statement even before the first bell rang. This homage to Mexican boxing culture was not just a nod to his surroundings but a calculated move, one that echoed Mayweather’s own strategy of captivating audiences beyond his native fanbase. It was clear from the outset that Moton was not only learning the skills of the trade but also the business acumen that has made his mentor one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
However, the fight itself was less about showmanship and more about sheer dominance. Victor Vazquez (5-3-1 3 KOs), once a promising regional fighter from southern Mexico, entered the ring on a troubling streak. Having gone winless in his last three bouts, including losses to opponents making their debuts, Vazquez appeared to be a mere shadow of his former self. His record against experienced fighters was unimpressive, and his recent performance did little to suggest he was ready for a prospect of Moton’s caliber.
The bout was over almost as soon as it began. Moton, taking a measured approach, felt out Vazquez with his jab for the first thirty seconds. But it didn’t take long for him to realize the mismatch in front of him. A pair of combinations, culminating in a powerful left hook, sent Vazquez reeling. A final flurry from Moton dropped Vazquez to the canvas, where he wisely chose to remain, ending the fight in the first round. The knockout, while spectacular, was expected. This victory, decisive as it was, did little to test Moton or to advance his standing in the division.
Stepping Back After a Tough Bout
Moton’s rapid ascent in the lightweight division has been marked by a series of carefully selected opponents, each intended to challenge him in different ways. However, his recent choice of opponents has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Following a grueling eight-round decision win against Anthony Cuba, Moton appeared to be on a trajectory toward more formidable competition. Cuba, a tough fighter with a similar mentorship under former world champion Leo Santa Cruz, pushed Moton to his limits in a fight that showcased the young prospect’s resilience and skill.
After such a challenging bout, it was somewhat surprising to see Moton take a step back in competition. His subsequent fight against Nikolai Buzolin, a lesser-known opponent, raised eyebrows among those who had expected Moton to continue climbing the ranks with increasingly difficult tests. Buzolin, while game, was outmatched and outclassed, serving more as a stepping stone than a true challenge.
The decision to face Victor Vazquez, whose career had been on a downward spiral, further fueled concerns about the direction of Moton’s career. While it is common practice to give young fighters a mix of tough and easier bouts as they develop, the choice to face an opponent like Vazquez, with his recent struggles, seemed like a step backward rather than a progression. The fight, while adding another knockout to Moton’s record, did little to reignite the excitement that had surrounded his earlier victories.
Despite this, it’s worth noting that even the most promising prospects need periods of recalibration. After a taxing fight like the one against Cuba, a less demanding opponent can serve to rebuild confidence and hone skills. However, the risk lies in losing momentum and credibility, both of which are crucial for a fighter on the rise. As Moton’s career continues, the focus will likely shift back to finding opponents who can truly test his abilities and prepare him for the challenges that lie ahead in the upper echelons of the division.
A Contest Beneath a Rising Star
While the bout against Vazquez ended in a spectacular knockout, it was a mismatch from the start, an embarrassment for a fighter of Moton’s potential. Vazquez’s record, padded with victories against low-level competition, did little to justify his place in the ring with a rising star like Moton. Of the two experienced fighters Vazquez had faced—Gabriel Ruiz (10-8-0) and Jeovani Gonzalez (6-0-0)—his other opponents had a mere two fights combined when they met him. This glaring disparity in experience was evident as soon as the first punches were thrown.
Moreover, Vazquez had not fought in six years, with his last outing resulting in a draw against Christian Ortiz in Guatemala City. Ortiz, who himself had not fought in four years, was hardly a noteworthy opponent. Vazquez, who had spent most of his career at junior flyweight (108 lbs), was stepping up not just in competition but in weight class as well. His only previous bout above his natural weight was at 118 lbs, meaning he jumped nearly 30 pounds to face Moton, a natural lightweight who is likely to ascend to welterweight as he matures.
This massive weight disparity, coupled with Vazquez’s long layoff and lack of experience against top-tier opponents, made for a one-sided affair. While some may praise Moton for dispatching his opponent with such speed and power, the reality is that this fight did little to further his development or to solidify his standing in the division. Vazquez, recognizing the hopelessness of his situation, likely made the right decision to stay down after the first flurry from Moton.
In the grand scheme of things, this fight will be forgotten. It was a contest that did little to advance Moton’s career and even less to excite the fans who had come to see a true test of his abilities. As he moves forward, Moton will need to face opponents who can push him to his limits, forcing him to dig deep and prove that he is more than just a prospect with potential, but a future champion in the making.
The Event: More Spectacle Than Sport
The bout took place on the undercard of the Mayweather vs. Gotti III event, an exhibition that was more about entertainment than legitimate competition. Floyd Mayweather, now more showman than boxer, continues to find ways to draw in crowds and line his pockets with these spectacle fights. However, this card, much like the previous exhibitions, drew mixed reactions from the audience. The Mexican crowd, known for its passionate support of the sport, erupted in boos at the conclusion of the main event, a clear sign of their dissatisfaction with the night’s proceedings.
Yet, despite the criticisms, the event succeeded in one important aspect: it brought more eyes to Curmel Moton. As a protégé of Mayweather, Moton carries with him the weight of expectation. His rapid rise, coupled with Mayweather’s endorsement, has made him a fighter to watch. But for those paying close attention, it’s clear that Moton’s journey is just beginning, and the true tests are yet to come.
While the night may have been a disappointment for those hoping for a more competitive main event, it served its purpose in building Moton’s profile. However, as his career progresses, it will be crucial for him to step out from the shadow of his mentor and face opponents who can truly challenge him. Only then will we see if Moton is indeed the next big thing in boxing or just another promising prospect who couldn’t live up to the hype.