Ernesto Mercado wants Emiliano Vargas or Frank Martin next if he knocks out Emmanuel Tagoe on Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Mercado faces Tagoe in a 10-round light welterweight bout on the Claressa Shields vs. Kaye Scott card on DAZN. During Thursday’s final press conference, Mercado was questioned about why he has yet to land a major fight despite his knockout record and position in the rankings.
“Well, nobody wants to get slept. Do you know what I’m saying?” Mercado said. “This guy volunteered, and I’m definitely excited about that. Obviously, we’re looking for bigger and better fights.”
Mercado then identified two fighters he wants after Tagoe.
“After this, I’m looking for guys like Emiliano Vargas, Frank Martin. I want to knock all those guys out. Hopefully, with me keeping knocking on the door, I’m able to get those fights.”
Vargas would give Mercado a fight between two young light welterweights trying to move toward the top of the division. Vargas has received plenty of attention during his rise, while Mercado is still searching for the opponent who can move him into a major event.
Martin offers a more experienced test. He has already competed at the championship level and would give Mercado the established opponent he has been asking to face.
Mercado still has to deal with Tagoe before either fight becomes a serious discussion. He is promising another knockout Saturday, and an impressive finish would give him a stronger case for getting Vargas or Martin in the ring next.