Ernesto Mercado Explains Why He Left Matchroom

The light welterweight contender says regular fights, beginning August 15 against Emmanuel Tagoe, will accelerate his championship pursuit

Ernesto Mercado says a lack of activity drove his decision to sign with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records as he chases a world title. The 24-year-old believes a busy schedule will move him into championship contention after fighting only four times in the past two years.

The 24-year-old Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs) was announced Thursday as the newest addition to Salita’s stable. He’ll make his promotional debut on August 15 in Atlanta when he faces veteran Emmanuel Tagoe (34-2, 16 KOs) in the co-feature to Claressa Shields’ middleweight title defense against Kaye Scott.

Mercado said he wanted a promoter capable of keeping him active after fighting only four times over the last two years.

“It hasn’t been the progression I’ve wanted to take [recently],” Mercado 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.”

Mercado believes staying busy is the quickest path to a world title.

“One thing I can guarantee is that I’ll be a world champion, and it will happen by next year,” he said. “The way you become a champion is to stay active.”

The California native is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO and No. 5 by the IBF at 140 pounds. With the IBF title vacant, Mercado hopes an active schedule will move him into position for a championship opportunity in 2027.

First, however, he’ll have to get past Tagoe. Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs) meets the 37-year-old Ghanaian, who is fighting for only the third time since losing a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision to Ryan Garcia in April 2022. Tagoe has won his last two bouts, although both victories came against little-known opposition.

Mercado isn’t expecting the fight to last long.

“I plan to end it real quick so I can get back out there 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.

“I’m going to put this man asleep and show everybody I’m coming for that world title. Champions, hold on tight to your belts.”

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