A surprising misstep from Curmel Moton, a promising protégé of Floyd Mayweather Jr., has sparked widespread attention. The undefeated 18-year-old lightweight boxer was scheduled to fight tonight at ACX 1 Studios in Atlantic City. The event, headlined by Anthony Young vs. Windry Amadis Martinez and organized by former welterweight champion Danny Garcia‘s Swift Promotions, bore the title “Tale of Garcia IV.”

Moton was set to face Bryan Mercado. But reports now indicate the bout has been canceled following Moton’s failure to meet weight requirements. Shockingly, he weighed in at 148.7 pounds, nearly 15 pounds over the 133-pound limit. This substantial breach drew swift reactions from fans and boxing professionals on social media.

A Setback for a Promising Talent

“Stunning scenes from earlier today as one of the best prospects in boxing, Curmel Moton, missed weight by 15.7 lbs.,” tweeted Boxing Kingdom, reflecting the astonishment shared by many. This fight would have been Moton’s seventh professional bout since debuting in September of last year.

Known for his aggressive style, the Salt Lake City native has won five of his six fights via early stoppage, establishing himself as a rising star in the lightweight division. However, missing weight by such a wide margin raises questions about discipline and preparation.

Ahead of the year’s first fight against Nikolai Buzolin, he weighed around 133.5 pounds but remarked, “Made weight per usual. Once again, another one of my opponents missed weight, this time by 3 pounds, but regardless, we’re still accepting the fight, and I’m going to handle business tomorrow. 4-0.” For his last fight against Hilario Martinez Moreno, a light welterweight bout, he weighed 139.8 pounds.

Boxing insiders and fans alike expressed disappointment. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

Curmel Moton: More than extra pounds

Veteran matchmaker Rick Glaser called the incident ‘highly unprofessional’. Tagging Floyd Mayweather Jr., he tweeted: “#FloydMayweather’s undefeated #CurmelMorton 14 pounds overweight at the scale for a fight weight-in!!!! Not very professional, & definitely not a good look.” Taking another jibe at the Mayweather stable, he added, “Another in a long list of Floyd’s fighters over the years that needs a sit-on babysitter!!!”

World champion Claressa Shields jokingly referenced Moton’s Thanksgiving indulgence. She said, “Lol @curmelmoton1 You said you wasn’t skipping Thanksgiving 🤣🤣🤣 14 pounds overweight is crazy young man 😂🤣🤣”

Idris Virgo had some prompt recommendations for Danny Garcia. “Man, they’re working on it. Garcia is there taking a photo with him. Instead of telling the kid off. Garcia, fix up, bro,” said the light heavyweight boxer.

Similarly, Dan Rafael questioned the decision to proceed with the weigh-in given Moton’s significant overweight status. “Mayweather Promotions prospect Curmel Moton, scheduled for a 6-rounder at lightweight on Saturday in Philadelphia, weighed in 15 pounds overweight on Friday. Why even show up at the weigh-in? WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?” he asked.

Meanwhile, some used the moment for personal jabs. YouTuber and influencer boxer Deen The Great, who has had past conflicts with Moton, mocked the situation, saying, “Ain this MFF call me a “fake fighter? “Can’t even make weight, hahaha. 🤣🤣”

While this incident is undoubtedly a setback, it’s important to remember that Moton is still at the beginning of his career.

The canceled fight against Mercado provides an opportunity for reflection and improvement. Going forward, stricter discipline and weight management will be essential to maintaining his reputation and fulfilling his potential. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Moton responds to this challenge. For now, the hope remains that this young talent can turn things around and continue his journey toward becoming a major force in boxing.

What’s Your Take? Do you think Curmel Moton deserves such harsh criticism, or should allowances be made for his youth and inexperience?