On Saturday night, the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, witnessed the much-anticipated professional boxing debut of 19-year-old Zaquin Moses, who showcased his talent by defeating Michael Ruiz via unanimous decision.
The match was a masterclass in boxing, with Moses exhibiting complete dominance throughout the bout. He effectively utilized a diverse offensive strategy while maintaining formidable defense, leading him to a convincing victory in his first professional match.
Before stepping into the professional ring, Zaquin Moses earned accolades as a 3-time national champion in the amateur boxing circuit. His impressive prowess became evident when he bested Curmel Moton in March 2023, solidifying his reputation. On the night of November 9th, he transitioned to the professional arena, eagerly embarking on this new chapter in his boxing career.
In the inaugural round of his pro debut, Moses displayed remarkable composure, strategically pacing himself while consistently executing his effective southpaw jab. His impact was felt midway through the first round when he delivered a stunning left-hand punch that caught Ruiz off-guard.
Throughout the second round, Moses continued to demonstrate tactical brilliance, focusing on targeting Ruiz’s body. As the round progressed, he landed a series of sharp combinations, overwhelming his opponent. By the midway point of his debut, Moses had convincingly swept the first two rounds with his precision and well-placed punches.
In the early moments of the third round, Ruiz managed to land a robust counter right hand; however, Moses swiftly countered with an explosive three-punch combination, reasserting his control. As the action moved into the 4th and final round, Moses commenced with a precise counter left-hand shot that set the tone.
Shortly after, Moses unleashed a powerful left hand that visibly staggered Ruiz. Seizing the moment, Moses aggressively pursued a knockout, but Ruiz demonstrated resilience and managed to endure until the final bell. At the close of the 4-round contest, all three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of the triumphant Zaquin Moses.
With this victory, Zaquin Moses (1-0) not only marks a successful start to his professional career but is also celebrated as the younger cousin of WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. In his post-fight interview with IFL TV, Moses sincerely acknowledged the invaluable guidance he received from Stevenson, expressing gratitude for his cousin’s advice leading up to the fight.
“To stay focused and have fun. You have your best performances when you’re having fun. Don’t let the moment be bigger than what it is,” Moses reflected, capturing the essence of his journey ahead in the ring.
**Interview with Zaquin “Zaybop” Moses Following His Professional Boxing Debut**
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on your impressive debut, Zaquin! How does it feel to step into the professional ring for the first time and come away with a victory?
**Zaquin Moses:** Thank you! It feels absolutely amazing. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and winning my first fight really means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true.
**Interviewer:** You showcased a dominant performance against Michael Ruiz. Can you share some insights into your game plan heading into this match?
**Zaquin Moses:** My plan was to stay composed and focus on my technique. I wanted to keep my defense strong and utilize my offensive skills effectively. I felt my training from the amateur circuit really paid off, especially during those crucial moments in the ring.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had incredible success as a 3-time national champion. How did those experiences prepare you for this transition to professional boxing?
**Zaquin Moses:** Being a national champion definitely helped me build confidence and experience. I faced tough opponents and learned a lot about handling pressure. Those lessons were vital on Saturday night. Every bout taught me something new about myself, and I carried that into my pro debut.
**Interviewer:** Transitioning from an amateur to a professional athlete can be challenging. What were some of the biggest adjustments you had to make?
**Zaquin Moses:** The biggest adjustments were the mental aspects and the pace of the fight. The rounds are longer, and the stakes are higher. I had to remind myself to pace my energy while staying aggressive. It’s a different atmosphere, but I felt ready.
**Interviewer:** What’s next for you after this victory? Do you have any immediate plans for your boxing career?
**Zaquin Moses:** I want to keep building on this momentum. I’m looking to stay active and hopefully have more fights lined up soon. I’m committed to improving my skills every day, and I aim to make a name for myself in this sport.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with so many aspirations and goals ahead, what would you say to young athletes looking to follow in your footsteps?
**Zaquin Moses:** I’d tell them to stay focused, work hard, and believe in themselves. There will be ups and downs, but perseverance is key. Surround yourself with a supportive team, and never stop chasing greatness!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Zaquin! We’re excited to see what’s next in your journey. Good luck!
**Zaquin Moses:** Thank you! I appreciate the support!
