Curmel Moton Faces Wilfredo Flores in First Fight After Pacquiao Move

Unbeaten 19-year-old steps up to welterweight on February 28

Curmel Moton’s first fight under Manny Pacquiao Promotions reflects careful matchmaking. The unbeaten 19-year-old steps into welterweight against veteran Wilfredo Flores.

The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds at welterweight, marking Moton’s first appearance at the division after previously competing as low as featherweight and most recently weighing 138 pounds in his last fight.

The move to welterweight is significant for a 19-year-old who remains early in his physical development. Moton has gradually added weight since turning professional, and this fight will provide the first indication of whether his future belongs at 140 pounds or higher.

Welterweight debut under new promoter

Moton enters unbeaten after eight professional fights, with six knockouts. His most recent outing was an eight-round unanimous decision over Renny Viamonte Mastrapa, a fight that forced him to go the distance and gain experience beyond early stoppages. His promotional departure from Floyd Mayweather Promotions earlier this year drew attention because of his close association with Mayweather during his amateur rise and early pro career.

At 147 pounds, Moton will need to start with the jab and set his feet more deliberately. Hand speed alone will not separate him if the opposition carries natural size and durability.

Flores, a 36-year-old Puerto Rican with a 12-6-1 record and five knockouts, has built his career serving as a durable test for prospects. He lost a unanimous decision to Mathew Gonzalez in October and has shared the ring with developing fighters, including Breyon Gorham, Alan Garcia, and Gary Cully. Only Cully has stopped him, reinforcing Flores’ reputation as an opponent capable of extending fights and forcing younger boxers to work.

Reaction to the matchup has been critical, with some questioning whether Moton’s level of opposition matches the publicity around his name. His age provides an explanation for careful matchmaking, though expectations around him have risen quickly since turning professional.

Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. will also appear on the card in a separate four-round bout against Luis E. Santana Figueroa. Pacquiao Jr., 25, fought to a majority draw against Brendan Lally in his debut and will be seeking his first professional victory.

The February 28 card will be headlined by a 10-round featherweight fight between Elijah Pierce and Lorenzo Parra.

Moton’s talent remains evident, but his credibility will ultimately depend on when his matchmaking begins to move beyond experienced survivors like Flores and toward opponents capable of forcing real separation between prospect and contender.