Ernesto “Tito” Mercado Jr. is ready to introduce himself to the boxing world.
The undefeated 22-year-old from Pomona, California, will make his DAZN debut later tonight when he takes on veteran Diner Berio for the WBA Continental North American Gold Super Lightweight Championship. The fight headlines Red Owl Boxing's Boxfest VIII, and Mercado hopes to use the additional exposure to show why he's so elite.
“This is my first headline show as a main event, and it means a lot to me,” said Mercado (14-0, 13 KOs), who defeated Cristian Vielma by knockout in February. “I've been excited this entire training camp. I can't wait to get started.”
Tito Mercado
red owl boxing
Mercado's trainer is his father, Ernesto Sr. They chose not to sign with one of the more well-known promoters and instead forge their own path in the sport. Their approach has been very successful, and a win over Berrio would further elevate Mercado and give him a regional title to defend.
“My dad and I are a great team,” Mercado said. “He knows how to push me and push me past my limits. I have tremendous confidence in him and am confident that we will be successful in whatever we do.”
Mercado now faces a new challenge at 140 pounds against Berrio (22-4-1). Berrio is a veteran at this technique, but he has lost his last three fights. Berrio, 33, will look to use his experience to his advantage, especially as he could regain name value by defeating Mercado, the 2020 U.S. Olympic runner-up and top prospect in the sport. right.
“I want to carry that goal on my back,” Mercado said. “That's the only way I can fight bigger and bigger.”
Tito Mercado
red owl boxing
The elite fighters in boxing's junior welterweight division are Devin Haney (31-0), Teofimo Lopez (20-1) and Sabriel Matias (20-1). Mercado believes he belongs on the list of top fighters in the 140-pound division, and the next step in climbing that mountain is a win over Berrio.
“I didn't just come here to try hard enough to win,” Mercado said. “I’m here to show off this guy.”
