Junior welterweight prospect Ernesto “Tito” Mercado has quickly made a name for himself by destroying reputable opponents like Hank Lundy, Jeremiah Nakathila, Jayson Velez and Xolisani Ndongeni since making his pro debut in 2021.
BoxingScene’s 2023 Prospect of the Year was moving along fast as a free agent by headlining shows staged and funded by his father and coach Neto or making cameo appearances for the likes of 360 Promotions, MarvNation Promotions, Red Owl Boxing, and most recently in July, for Salita Promotions.
On Saturday, the 23-year-old from Pomona, California will make his promotional debut and graduate from the small halls to the big stage when he faces Jesus Saracho (14-2-1, 11 KOs) at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The fight will stream on DAZN as part of the Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez doubleheader.
“I’m definitely looking to steal the show and to show boxing who I really am,” Mercado told BoxingScene. “Hardcore boxing fans may know who I am but now it’s time to put the casual fans on notice. It’s a great undercard to be on featuring two guys like Boots and Bam who are on the verge of becoming superstars.”
Mercado’s fights have lasted, on average, less than three rounds each. He’s expecting Saracho to give him some serious work.
“Saracho is a tough guy and a good southpaw who’s beaten undefeated fighters, and that’s what we wanted,” said Mercado. “He’s a strong guy who has a heavy punch and is someone who is going to push me to my limits. When we get the spectacular KO, it’s going to be that much sweeter.”
Mercado signed with Matchroom because he believed Eddie Hearn was best equipped to fast-track him to a championship run.
“There are so many opportunities,” said Mercado. “He has such a big stable at 140 pounds. Hopefully, we’re able to get a world title shot by next year. It doesn’t matter who. I know Eddie can make it happen. I’m excited about the future.
“The way we see it, there is no promoter like Matchroom that is making the big fights happen. If I want the biggest names, I think a guy like Eddie Hearn can make it happen. Eddie is doing a great job making fighters into global superstars, and that’s what we wanted. It was a fit for me. Everyone says he’s a good salesman, and it’s up to me to make sure the product is as good as he promises it is.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Magazine and more. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
