LAS VEGAS – Curmel Moton made quick work of Ezequiel Flores in Moton’s pro debut Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
With promoter Floyd Mayweather seated at ringside, the heavily hyped, 17-year-old featherweight prospect overwhelmed Flores with his speed, precision and power in a walk-out bout that took place immediately after Canelo Alvarez defeated Jermell Charlo in the 12-round main event. Moton dropped Flores with a left hand in the middle minute of the first round, which signaled the beginning of the end for the previously undefeated Flores.
Flores (4-1, 3 KOs), of Riverside, California, got up from the knockdown by the time referee Celestino Ruiz reached the count of five. Moton pounced on Flores quickly, though, and unloaded an array of power punches that made Ruiz literally pull him away from Flores and wave an end to their scheduled four-rounder.
The official time of the stoppage was 1:48 of the first round.
Las Vegas’ Moton, who went 156-7 as an amateur, received special permission from the Nevada State Athletic Commission to compete professionally prior to his 18th birthday. The legendary Mayweather has mentored Moton since he was a young child.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.
