Boxing’s best kept secret Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado is ready to break out with Eddie Hearn

Junior welterweight prospect Ernesto “Tito” Mercado has quickly made a name for himself by destroying renowned 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 quickly advanced as a free agent by headlining shows staged and financed by his father and coach Neto or making guest appearances for the likes of 360 Promotions, MarvNation Promotions, Red Owl Boxing, and most recently in July, for Salita promotions.

But Mercado (16-0, 15 KOs) is no longer an unsigned hype because the demolition machine resulted in an exclusive promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing in September.

On Saturday, the 23-year-old from Pomona, California will make his promotional debut and graduate from small venues to the big stage when he takes on 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 definitely want to steal the show and show boxing who I really am,” Mercado told BoxingScene. “Hardcore boxing fans may know who I am, but now it’s time to bring attention to the casual fans. It’s a great undercard to play two guys like Boots and Bam, who are on the cusp of becoming superstars.”

Mercado’s fights averaged less than three rounds. He expects Saracho to give him serious work.

“Saracho is a tough guy and a good southpaw who has beaten undefeated fighters, and that’s what we wanted,” Mercado said. “He is a strong man with a heavy punch and someone who will push me to my limits. If we get the spectacular KO, it will be even more fun.”

Mercado signed with Matchroom because he believed Eddie Hearn was best equipped to quickly lead him to a championship run.

“There are so many opportunities,” says Mercado. “He has such a big stable at 140 pounds. Hopefully we can win a world title next year. It doesn’t matter who. I know Eddie can make it happen. I am excited about the future.

“The way we see it, there is no promoter like Matchroom that makes the big fights possible. If I want the biggest names, I think a guy like Eddie Hearn can make it happen. Eddie is doing a great job turning fighters into global superstars, and that’s what we wanted. It suited 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.”

Manouk Akopyan is a sportswriter, writer and 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 at X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn And YouTubevia email at manouk(dot)akopyan(at)gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.