There’s a saying that pressure makes diamonds. After years at the amateur level, Floyd Mayweather prodigy Curmel Moton looks to shine bright, and with the Hall of Famer's guidance, he's ready to be boxing’s next big thing.
Moton may be touted as the next Floyd Mayweather. However, right now, the kid with the skills that are way ahead of those in the amateur ranks is focused on becoming the first Curmel Moton.
“Since I was a kid, I've been taught by professional coaches," Moton told AKHi TV. "I've always had a pro-style. In the amateurs, they don't see it as much because I gotta fight at a faster pace with the three rounds based on how the judging is. I feel like once I make my debut, people are gonna see the skills I already have and how my style truly is.”
Moton makes his pro debut against Ezequiel Flores on September 30. He will appear on the undercard of the undisputed super middleweight title fight between champion Canelo Alvarez and challenger Jermell Charlo. The event airs on Showtime PPV in the U.S. / DAZN in the U.K. and takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
MORE: How to bet on Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo
Here's all you need to know about Moton, from how he started to his connection with Mayweather.
Who is Curmel Moton?
Moton, 17, has won 18 amateur titles. Joining the boxing world in 2015, he lost his first amateur fight before putting together more than 130 wins. Like Mayweather, he believes he can adapt to any style and is upfront about what makes him special.
"My counter-punching ability, my speed, my reflexes, and my boxing IQ" he told AKHi TV. "I don't really have no one set style. If I'm fighting a taller opponent that's trying to keep me outside, I can put pressure on him. I could do a whole lot of things. It really depends on the opponent that's in front of me, what style I can use."
At 16, Davis sparred with Gervonta Davis and he has received praise from both "Tank" and Shakur Stevenson. He's also worked with Stevenson, Robeisy Ramirez, Duke Ragan, Keyshawn Davis, and Bruce Carrington. Named "The Next Floyd Mayweather," that is a lot of pressure for a young kid, but Moton is taking everything in his stride.
"I can handle the pressure. I've been putting work in my whole life and I'm used to it," Moton told Fight Hype via The Sun. "I've been doing this since a little kid, so it's nothing new to me. (Mayweather) said I'm going to be a future world champion. That's the goal, to be the best in the sport one day. We're going to keep working hard and we're going to get there."
MORE: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo purse, salaries
Curmel Moton and Floyd Mayweather
Moton idolized Mayweather when he was younger. Now signed with Mayweather Promotions, "Money" believes the hype is real with the kid under his wing.
"We don't know who's going to be the next Floyd Mayweather," said the former multi-weight world champion in an interview with The Sun. "But I truly believe this could be the next Floyd Mayweather."
Mayweather has even called out WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood to face Moton, saying the young kid can beat the champion.
