Error code: %{errorCode}
Major unbeaten knockout artist with 95% stoppage record joins new promoter
Knockout artist and rising star Ernesto “Tito” Mercado has signed a long-term partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. The 140-pound contender will face Emmanuel Tagoe in the co-main event on the Claressa Shields vs. Kaye Scott blockbuster card on Saturday, Aug. 15 live on DAZN (9 p.m. ET) from State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs) has knocked out eight straight opponents, including his last three against former champions or world title challengers. The 24-year-old last went the distance in 2023 in his only fight outside of North America.
Mercado will compete in the stacked 140-pound division, where he has his sights set on the division’s top stars, including Shakur Stevenson, Richardson Hitchins, Keyshawn Davis, Dalton Smith and Emiliano Vargas. The 5-foot-10 native of Pompano, Calif., is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO and No. 5 by the IBF.
Mercado has gone past the sixth round just twice as his level of opposition has steadily increased since turning professional in 2021. As an amateur, he fought against top international competition and compiled a 278-11 record while capturing 21 national championships. Mercado was introduced to boxing by his father and longtime trainer, Ernesto Sr.
"Dmitriy Salita and Ruben Branson saw the same thing my team has always seen in me—a future world champion,” Mercado said. “What made this the right fit was that it felt like family. That's important to me because boxing has always been a family business. My father has been my trainer since I was five years old, and I wanted to be with a team that believes in me, keeps me active and shares the same vision for where my career is headed."
Mercado will look to stay busy after signing with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, fighting less than two months after his June knockout victory over Juan Carlos Burgos.
"There were other opportunities, but this one felt different,” Mercado said. “Salita stays active, puts on quality shows and keeps his fighters busy. I'm an active fighter, and I want to fight the best as often as possible. I believe this partnership puts me in the best position to become a world champion."
What has Joshua has learnt from Usyk?
Watch: AJ reveals what training with his former foe has been like
Another added benefit is the platform that Claressa’s events provide, with Shields a consistent attraction on DAZN and one of the top box office performers in the sport.
"It's a huge opportunity to fight on Claressa’s event on DAZN,” Mercado said. “Claressa brings excitement, she brings fans, and she always puts on a big event. I'm looking forward to being part of that and doing my job in the co-main event. I want to set the tone early and give the fans something to remember."
With his top-five rankings in the IBF and WBO, Mercado not only looks to stay active but challenge for a world title in the immediate future.
"The goal is simple – become a world champion,” Mercado said. “That's what we've been working toward my entire life. Every fight is another step closer, and I want to put myself in a position where the biggest fights can't be avoided."
In Tagoe (34-2, 16 KOs), Mercado will face a veteran opponent who has only suffered two defeats – a 2022 decision to boxing superstar Ryan Garcia and his professional debut in his native Ghana.
"There wasn't a lot of time to find an opponent, but I think they picked the right guy,” Mercado said. “He went the distance with Ryan Garcia, so this is an opportunity for me to make a statement. I want to go in there, get him out of there and continue climbing the rankings."
Dmitriy Salita, of Salita Promotions, and Ruben Branson, of Wynn Records, have watched Mercado’s career from a distance and pounced at the opportunity to sign boxing’s most prized free agent. Together, they look to advance Mercado to a world championship and bridge the gap to develop Mercado into a star outside the ring.
“We’re excited to welcome Tito Mercado to Salita Promotions alongside our partners at Wynn Records,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Tito is one of the most exciting young fighters in boxing today. 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.”
"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,” said Ruben Branson, CEO of Wynn Records. “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."
Joshua vs. Prenga - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Anthony Joshua's hugely anticipated return to the ring versus Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Itauma vs. Hrgovic and Canelo vs. Mbilli PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
