Mercado entered the fight as a heavy favorite against the experienced Burgos, a former world title challenger who had built a reputation for durability during a lengthy professional career. Burgos entered the contest with more than 45 professional fights and world-level experience.
By the end of the second round, however, Mercado had accomplished something no previous opponent had managed.
Mercado controlled the fight from the opening bell, using his speed, sharp combinations, and power punching to keep the 38-year-old Burgos on the defensive, hesitant to want to trade. The 24-year-old prospect repeatedly found openings with clean shots and quickly established himself as the stronger and more explosive fighter.
The end came in the second round when Mercado dropped Burgos twice, including with a crushing left hook. Burgos was unable to recover from the sustained attack, prompting the referee to halt the contest and award Mercado the knockout victory.
With the win, Mercado improved to 19-0 with 18 knockouts. Burgos fell to 36-9-3 and suffered the first stoppage loss of his career.
After the fight, Mercado turned his attention toward bigger names, calling out undefeated WBO light welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson during his post-fight interview.
Mercado’s performance came against one of the most experienced opponents of his career and extended his unbeaten record to 19-0.
