Commentator Sergio Mora raved about Ernesto Mercado after watching him knock out Antonio Moran with a sixth round knockout last Saturday night in Stockton, California.
Mora was impressed by the power of the 24-year-old Mercado, who knocked Moran down three times – once in the first round and twice more in the sixth to force the stoppage.
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“Tito Mercado is the real deal! The 140-lb division has a new power player. #MercadoMoran,” said DAZN commentator Sergio Mora. social media last Saturday night.
Sergio says the 140-lb division has a “new power player,” and he is right. The Southern California native naturally fits in with the division’s top names.
Based on how Ernesto looked against Moran after eleven months of inactivity, he would have an excellent chance of beating any of the current champions at 140:
- Teofimo Lopez – WBO
- Richardson Hitchins – IBF
- Gary Antoine Russell – WBA
- Subriel Matias – WBC
Newcomers to the 140-lb division, Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis, will have a tough time with the speed and punching power that “Tito” Mercado has displayed. I rate Mercado above Shakur and Keyshawn in sheer ability.
High Risk Matchup
Of course, the chances of Mercado getting a fight against either of them are slim due to the risk he poses and his lack of name recognition. He is a high risk with little reward for Stevenson or Davis. Without Turki Alalshikh taking notice, those matches are unlikely – Mercado would spoil the appeal they bring to Turki’s cards.
What Mercado needs now is activity – ideally three fights in 2026 – to raise his profile and force bigger opportunities.
Mercado is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts after four years as a pro. The Matchroom-promoted puncher hasn’t been fighting for long, but he’s looked dangerous every step of the way.
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Last updated on 14/12/2025
