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Photo By Matchroom<\/p>\n\t\tPhoto By Matchroom<\/p>\n
It\u2019s official, Ernesto \u201cTito\u201d Mercado didn\u2019t just win a belt tonight. He took control of the conversation.<\/p>\n
The undefeated super-lightweight boxing force, Tito (18-0, 17 KOs) stopped experienced contender Antonio Moran (31-8-1) with a crushing overhand right at 2:37 of Round 6, capturing the WBO International Super-Lightweight Title in emphatic fashion on Matchroom Boxing\u2019s DAZN card in Stockton, California.<\/p>\n
From the opening round, Mercado fought like a man with a plan \u2014 and the tools to execute it. Calm. Calculated. Ruthless. He dropped Moran early, then went to work, landing power punches at a staggering 72% accuracy, breaking his opponent down with sharp counters, a snapping left hook, and long-range body shots delivered while gliding in and out of danger.<\/p>\n
When the finish came, it was decisive \u2014 and inevitable.<\/p>\n
The performance drew immediate praise from Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who called Mercado\u2019s rise \u201csensational,\u201d declaring that \u201cthe future of this division has arrived.\u201d And this time, there were no qualifiers. Mercado didn\u2019t just beat a gatekeeper \u2014 he erased him faster than elite names like Devin Haney or Andy Cruz previously managed, doing it after more than 300 days out of the ring without missing a step.<\/p>\n
Technically, the advantages were impossible to ignore. Hand speed that popped off the screen. Footwork and upper-body movement that allowed him to throw power while slipping danger. Composure that never cracked. This wasn\u2019t just a win \u2014 it was a championship-level performance delivered with intent.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d said Mercado. \u201cThis fight mattered. I stayed patient, stayed sharp, and I made it look easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now the WBO International Champion, the 24-year-old Pomona native has officially entered the world title conversation. With eyes on the loaded 135\u2013140 lb divisions, Mercado has begun calling out names \u2014 Shakur Stevenson , Teofimo Lopez, Jermaine Ortiz, Devin Haney, Andy Cruz \u2014 as he targets major fights in 2025.<\/p>\n
Guided by his father and trainer Ernesto Mercado Sr., Mercado continues a disciplined, self-built climb \u2014 no shortcuts, no rush, just results.<\/p>\n
P-Town knows what it\u2019s watching.
The rest of the division is catching up.<\/p>\n