LAS VEGAS — Red-hot prospect Curmel Moton told World Boxing News this week from the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas that he already sees himself as a top-10 featherweight talent “skills-wise.”
Having seen him train for years in the gym and reported ringside for three of his five pro bouts to date, it’s hard to disagree.
In a short space of time, Moton has made the industry sit up and take notice. His pro debut in 2023 was the most anticipated of that entire year, and just one year later, one of the best boxing coaches in the US, Kenny Ellis, said he’s already a top-10 fighter.
World Boxing News asked Moton about this when we saw him this week. “That feels great,” the teenager told us. “I appreciate the compliment.”
He continued: “I agree with him as, skills-wise, I’m definitely top-10, for sure.
“I just need an opportunity to prove myself, and that will come with time. Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll keep on taking care of them.”
How do yall rank them? 🥊🥊🥊🥊 pic.twitter.com/HiT0h9WZb5
— Kenny Ellis (@CoachKennyEllis) August 26, 2024
Moton continues to outclass opponents on big cards. He made his debut at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 30 after Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez breezed past Jermell Charlo.
Since then, he’s fought at another prominent Las Vegas venue — the Michelob Ultra Arena; at Honda Center in Anaheim as part of the Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz event; and on August 24 in Mexico City as Floyd Mayweather returned to the ring for an exhibition rematch with John Gotti III.
Moton told us he “feels great” since returning from Mexico. “It was a good experience, the fight was great, and I put up a good performance doing what I needed to do.”
The level of opposition Moton is facing has dropped off a little, leading to criticism that his matchmaking may have gone backward. However, Moton was keen to say he’s only had five fights and has no problem moving forward.
“I knew I was going to have him out of there quick, and I’m not worried about stepping up in competition,” he told WBN. “I’m ready for it.”
At Moton’s current rate of activity for 2024, he could compete in a further two fights this year.
“I’m staying ready for the next card,” Moton told us. “Whenever Floyd Mayweather decides that it’s time for me to get back in there, I’ll be ready.
“Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll take care of them.”
Alan Dawson is World Boxing News Lead Writer, a 2 x Sports Journalist of the Year finalist, and 5 x BWAA awards winner. Follow Alan @AlanDawsonSport.
