Curmel Moton has been a lucky one when it comes to finding a mentor. With Floyd Mayweather backing him, he has secured two knockout wins ever since turning professional in 2023. The 17-year-old fighter has made quite a mark for himself. Luck, however, was not the only factor contributing to this.
In an interview with Cigar Talk, Moton, in the lead-up to his third fight on March 30, detailed what led to the boxing champion noticing him and his journey and bringing him on. Let us see what grabbed Mayweather’s eyes and how their bond became so strong.
Curmel Moton recalls the time he got the better of the guys at Floyd Mayweather’s gym
A 9-year-old Moton stepped into Mayweather’s gym along with another boxer of the same age who had already caught ‘Money’s attention. “Really it happened, I had another boxer that was down here at the time, he was like in a position I am with Floyd but like he was younger so he was just like eight at the time or nine and he was always in the gym with all the pros and stuff so I came down here with him and he in Floyd’s training camp… and then I just I spoke to Floyd one time, I got a picture with him and then I had sparred some of the guys that be around the gym and I like put hands on them and then so.,” Moton said.
Even though Floyd wasn’t around at the time when Moton got the best of his guys in a sparring session, not long after, Moton began working out at the gym.“And then I started training here not long after that and then all the pros that’s in here like back then it was like Ishe Smith, J’Leon Love, Badou Jack and around that era that I started training here and at the time I was like 9 or 10 and they noticed my skills. Even back then, like all the pros, they was like he’s sharp,” Moton recalled.
“So, I guess word probably got back to Floyd and then eventually one day I saw Floyd and he was just showing me love. He was all “lil champ, what’s up” and all that and then yeah, I’ve been just solid with them since,” he added.
Moton has continued his training in the gym since then. He is grateful and has remained loyal to Floyd and the gym ever since
How does the protégé feel about being compared to Gervonta Davis?
Gervonta Davis is widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound champions, and the rising prospect Moton is anticipated to be the next significant name in the boxing scene. Many fans have dubbed Moton as “Tank 2.0,” indicating him as a premier product from Floyd Mayweather’s gym. When questioned about this moniker by the host, Naji, Moton acknowledged that he once took pride in being called “Tank 2.0” during his amateur days.
Back then, he considered the comparison a compliment, since Davis was one with exceptional skills. However, Moton’s perspective has since evolved, and he now desires to establish his unique identity. He expressed a shift in his mindset, stating that he no longer wants to be labeled as a version of someone else. Instead, he aims to forge his own path and create a name for himself in the sport.
