Floyd Mayweather showed up in Ontario, California in support of the talented Curmel Moton amid rumors that his protege could leave.
The teenage prospect took a spot on the Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal card as Mayweather attempts to rebuild his company with former Golden Boy Richard Schaefer. World Boxing News reported that Mayweather’s young stars have been flying the coup lately, with J’hon Ingram being the latest to trigger his release.
Ingram followed Richardson Hitchins and Jalil Hackett out the door as Mayweather struggled to keep his touted world champions busy.
However, Mayweather is fighting to retain Moton, who has shown loyalty so far following a spat with Gervonta Davis. ‘Tank’ dropped Moton from his undercard after the undefeated 18-year-old sided with Mayweather during a social media exchange.
Floyd Mayweather shows united front with young protege Curmel Moton after several of his fighters left Mayweather Promotions.
18 year-old Moton moved to 4-0 on #DiazMasvidal
🎥 @fanmiopic.twitter.com/EOtqd5aqjM
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) July 8, 2024
Despite reports that Moton may have been shopped elsewhere, Mayweather was backstage and ringside as Moton kept his unbeaten record intact against Nikolai Buzolin. Moton put his opponent on the canvas as he improved to 4-0 with a third stoppage at super lightweight.
Moton piled on the pressure from the get-go and had in trouble before he was forced to take a knee. Experienced referee Jack Reiss stopped the fight in the second round as Moton had far too much in his locker.
Discussing his victory, Moton said, “It felt great to be in there with a huge crowd like this tonight. The atmosphere really pushed me to be my best. I put in a lot of work at the gym and knew it would pay off.”
4-0 thank y’all for the support🫡📈 pic.twitter.com/3b6ZRxhODd
— Curmel Moton (@curmelmoton1) July 7, 2024
On his tenure with Mayweather, Moton showed no signs of going anywhere.
“I know there’s all eyes on me with Floyd behind my back. It puts a target on me. I’ve felt pressure my whole life, so this is nothing for me. I’m used to it,” he pointed out.
“I know I just have to show up and do what I do. I’m going to get back in the gym and keep working hard to put on another great performance.”
Mayweather’s public showing of affection was much needed ahead of a potential announcement of a long-awaited event for the company. Despite only having four bouts, Moton is probably the most lucrative fighter in Mayweather’s books.
Furthermore, Mayweather and Schaefer‘s new strategy must be building the organization around Moton to keep him happy enough to remain for the long haul.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
