CARSON, Calif. – One of boxing’s most sought-after free-agent sensations has finally found a home.
Junior lightweight contender Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (16-0, 15 KOs) has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, it was announced Saturday during a press conference at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.
Mercado – BoxingScene’s 2023 prospect of the year – is an impressive 22-year-old boxer-puncher who turned professional in 2021. The Pomona, California-born and bred fighter has quickly made a name for himself by knocking out former world title challengers Jeremia Nakathila, Hank Lundy and Jayson Velez in a combined nine rounds.
“Everybody has been talking about this young man,” said Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn. “He's a strong fighter and is exciting. He's a wrecking machine. He's going to be a world champion. The path is there for him to get the big fights and become a superstar in the sport. Now we’re going to build him beyond boxing as a star. And when you have someone as good and dangerous as he is, it makes my job easy.”
Mercado has built on a strong 2023 campaign with three more knockout wins this year.
“I feel that I’m ready to step up for the world title right now,” said Mercado. “I have a lot of options to choose from. I want to become a superstar and conquer – just don't blink on my fights. I like how Matchroom feels like a family. I feel comfortable in that they are looking after my best interests in putting the best fights, and that is what I’m looking for. I can't wait to contribute to big fights and continue making Matchroom the best promotional company in the game.”
Matchroom has a stacked stable at 140 pounds featuring IBF champion Liam Paro, former titleholders Subriel Matias and Regis Prograis, as well as the likes of Jack Catterall, Richardson Hitchins and Dalton Smith. Hearn also has a working relationship with Devin Haney.
“All of those fights will be there,” said Hearn.
The junior welterweight division also features the likes of Teofimo Lopez Jr., Jose Ramirez, Arnold Barboza, Josh Taylor, Alberto Puello, Gary Antuanne Russell and Sandor Martin, among others.
Mercado had been reluctant to sign with a major promoter despite fielding several offers throughout the years. Instead, his fights against the known commodities were staged in small halls and financially backed by Mercado’s father and head trainer Neto.
Despite Mercado’s wins, none of the four major sanctioning bodies have the power-punching knockout artist ranked in the top 15. Matchroom’s promotional muscle, however, should quickly get the boxing world’s attention.
Hearn said Mercado will graduate to the main stage and make his promotional debut later this year at a "massive" United States show.
“Tito is going to have the perfect platform in front of a huge crowd to perform,” said Hearn, who continues to build his U.S. roster alongside stars Shakur Stevenson, Jaron Ennis and Jesse Rodriguez.
“He's never been spoon-fed with a massive contract and easy fights. We're looking to get him a world-ranked opponent to continue his progression to a world title.”
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’s 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 , , and , through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via .