Expectations high for Curmel Moton as he prepares for fight No. 7

When your nickname is “The Big Deal,” expectations are high – especially when Floyd Mayweather himself co-signs you. For 18-year-old lightweight Curmel Moton, those expectations aren’t just being met, they’re being shattered – at least so far. 

Moton returns to the ring Saturday night at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey looking to continue his rapid ascent in a six-round bout against Bryan Mercado on Danny Garcia’s Swift Promotions card.

Moton, an 18-time national champion with a record of 6-0 (5 KOs), has dazzled since turning pro in September 2023. Now training in Las Vegas, he rides a three-fight knockout streak, with his last two wins coming in the first round. His accelerated development has seen him take on an eight-rounder in his third fight, and Saturday will mark his fourth consecutive six-round contest.

Mercado, who holds a record of 11-6-1 (6 KOs), offers veteran experience but has had mixed success as of late. The 30-year-old Ecuadorian Mercado now based in Las Vegas has lost his last two bouts, including a unanimous decision to Nathan Rodriguez in September and a ninth-round stoppage to Jhon Bolano in April. Despite five stoppage defeats, Mercado has yet to be stopped before the fifth round, showcasing durability against tough opponents like Rene Tellez Giron, who ended their bout in five rounds last year.

For Moton, the fight represents a carefully managed challenge at this point in his career. It’s another step in proving he’s not just a promising prospect but a chance for him to continue hype as a potential star of the future. 

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.