In the first preliminary bout on the David Benavidez vs David Morrell event card, Mayweather Promotions blue-chip prospect Curmel “Big Deal” Moton stopped Frank Zaldivar (5-2, 3 KOs) in the third round.
In a match that was scheduled for eight rounds, the 18-year-old phenom Curmel Moton displayed an immense amount of talent in a short period of time. Moton showed aggression, speed, power, technique, work rate, accuracy, and punch placement.
After connecting with a couple of stiff jabs, Curmel Moton landed a flurry of shots to the head and body of his opponent. Moton controlled the majority of the first round, but Zaldivar closed out the round by pressing forward and connecting with a couple of strong left hooks.
In the second round, Zaldivar continued to apply pressure and he got caught by a hard counter left hook. Moton transitioned his offensive attack from upstairs to downstairs as he landed combinations to Zaldivar’s body on multiple occasions.
With 45 seconds left to go in the second round, Moton landed a big left hook that visibly hurt Zaldivar. At the start of the 3rd round, Moton touched Zaldivar with the jab a few times, and then Moton proceeded to land a David Benavidez-style combination to the head and body of his opponent.
At the midway point of the third round, Curmel Moton and Frank Zaldivar stood in the pocket and exchanged shots. Moton landed a sharp three-punch combination that forced Zaldivar into the ropes. Moton was in attack mode as he threw multiple shots that were able to penetrate Zaldivar’s high guard.
Referee Harvey Dock observed how Zaldivar was taking punishment but he wasn’t firing any shots of his own. Dock was ready to stop the fight, but he gave Zaldivar a final warning when he said, “You gotta show me something Frank.”
The 28-year-old Frank Zaldivar didn’t respond to the referee’s warning as he continued to get hit by solid shots. When the referee noticed Zaldivar still wasn’t generating any offense, he decided to step in and put a halt to the contest.
With the victory, Curmel Moton (7-0, 6 KOs) has officially kicked off his 2025 campaign. Moton’s expectations is to continue to hone his skills by making a total of four to five ring appearances this year.
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