Manny Pacquiao Promotions has announced that Moton will face Wilfredo Flores on February 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. 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 in at 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 steadily added weight since turning pro, 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 undefeated 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 outside of early stoppages. His promotional departure from Floyd Mayweather Promotions earlier this year drew attention due to his close association with Mayweather during his amateur rise and early professional career.
Flores, a 36-year-old Puerto Rican with a 12-6-1 record and five knockouts, has built his career and serves as a durability 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 stopped him, cementing Flores’ reputation as an opponent capable of extending fights and forcing younger boxers to work.
Fan reaction to the match was critical, with some questioning whether Moton’s level of opposition matched the publicity surrounding his name. His age provides an explanation for cautious matchups, although expectations around him have risen rapidly 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 looking for his first professional win.
The February 28 card will be headlined by a 10-round featherweight fight between Elijah Pierce and Lorenzo Parra.
Moton’s talent remains clear, but his credibility will ultimately depend on when his matchups begin to move past seasoned survivors like Flores and toward opponents capable of forcing real separation between prospect and contender.
