World-ranked junior-welterweight Ernesto “Tito” Mercado has signed a “long-term” contract with Salita Promotions/Wynn Records and will be placed in the co-main event of Claressa Shields’ middleweight title fight against Kaye Scott, August 15, in Atlanta.
Mercado, 19-0 (18 KOs), of Pomona, California, will meet veteran Emmanuel Tagoe, 34-2 (16 KOs), of Ghana on the card, less than two months after posting a second-round knockout of another veteran, Juan Carlos Burgos, June 19 for a smaller promotion in Long Beach, California.
“Super excited about what they’ve been doing, and by them putting me in the co-main event of a fight against Claressa Shields, which always sells out,” Mercado told BoxingScene Thursday. “I’ve definitely wanted the exposure [like this], just happy to be on this card.”
Formerly with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Mercado, 24, is ranked No. 4 among WBO 140lbs fighters behind champion Shakur Stevenson, and he’s No. 5 in the IBF.
That title is vacant with top contenders Lindolfo Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov in verbal agreement for a late-October championship fight in Saudi Arabia.
Mercado believes he’s on a path to fight for a belt by 2027.
“One thing I can guarantee is that I’ll be a world champion, and it will happen by next year,” Mercado said. “The way you become a champion is to stay active.”
In Tagoe, he meets a 37-year-old who’s compiled 273 pro rounds and been knocked out just once.
“I plan to end it real quick so I can get back out there [to the arena] and watch Claressa’s fight,” Mercado said. “This guy is just a step in the way for me. Burgos hadn’t been knocked down, either, and you saw what I did to him. I know what I can do. That’s why I call out big fighters.”
Possessing power, an impressive reach and developing hand speed, Mercado has sought out four-division champion Stevenson, and said Salita will push him toward the best possible bouts.
“I’m going to put this man [Tagoe] asleep and show everybody I’m coming for that world title,” he said. “Champions, hold on tight to your belts.”
Mercado said navigating the slower pace of four bouts over two years was difficult to navigate as he endured the promotional changes. He said choosing Salita was based on the ability to stay busy.
“It hasn’t been the progression I’ve wanted to take [recently],” he said. “I want to fight four times a year. I’m not like a lot of guys who are content to take a month or two off. I want to get back in there, and now I’m right back in camp and excited about what’s to come.
“I think [Salita] can make these big fights happen and conquer the entire division.”
In a news release Thursday, Dmitriy Salita and Wynn Records’ Ruben Branson said they’ve noticed Mercado’s success from a distance and pounced at the opportunity to sign him.
“Tito is one of the most exciting young fighters in boxing today, “Salita said. “His knockout power, discipline, and relentless style make him a must-watch every time he steps into the ring. We believe he has the talent and work ethic to become one of the biggest stars in the sport, and we’re proud to be part of what we believe can be a historic journey.”
Said Branson: “From the first conversations, it was clear Tito Mercado embodies everything we’re building at Wynn Records — discipline, confidence, fearlessness and an unwavering commitment to greatness.
“Tito has already shown he belongs among the very best in the sport. Together with Dmitriy Salita, our vision is to build more than champions — we’re building global brands and creating opportunities that elevate fighters to the biggest stages. Tito is a tremendous addition to our family, and we’re excited to help him take the next step toward becoming a world champion while continuing to grow the future of our organization.”
