Bold claim: Ernesto “Tito” Mercado didn’t just win a belt tonight—he seized the spotlight and solidified his place in the conversation.
Boxing Results
December 13, 2025
Mercado Dominates Moran to Claim WBO International Super-Lightweight Title on Matchroom Boxing DAZN Card in Stockton, California
Undefeated rising star Tito Mercado (18-0, 17 KOs) delivered a statement performance by stopping veteran Antonio Moran (31-8-1) with a devastating overhand right at 2:37 of Round 6. The finish sealed Mercado’s first major title and marked a clear ascent for a fighter who has consistently shown both poise and power.
From the opening bell, Mercado appeared to operate with a clear plan and unflinching confidence. He fought with a calm, methodical tempo, punctuating his approach with sharp counter punches, a punishing left hook, and long-range body work carried out with agile footwork that kept Moran guessing and on the defensive. His accuracy stood out, landing power shots with a noticeably high success rate as he wore Moran down before delivering the decisive blow.
The stoppage came as no surprise to observers who watched Mercado push the pace and impose his will throughout the bout. It was a performance that shouted championship caliber, one that left little doubt about his potential to compete at the sport’s highest levels.
Reaction from the promotion was swift and effusive. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn labeled Mercado’s ascent “sensational,” insisting that “the future of this division has arrived.” Unlike some rising stars who rely on a string of tune-up wins, Mercado didn’t just defeat a gatekeeper—he dispatched a seasoned contender in emphatic fashion after more than 300 days away from the ring, underscoring his readiness for bigger challenges.
Technically, the evening showcased several clean advantages. Light, explosive hand speed, superior movement that fused offense with defense, and composure that never wavered under pressure. This wasn’t merely a win; it felt like a controlled, championship-level performance designed to announce a new face in the 135–140 lb class.
Mercado himself summed up the achievement succinctly: “I’m ready. This fight mattered. I stayed patient, stayed sharp, and I made it look easy.”
Now carrying the WBO International Championship title, the 24-year-old Pomona native has officially entered the broader world-title dialogue. With his sights set on the stacked 135–140 lb landscape, Mercado has begun publicly calling out top names—Shakur Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez, Jermaine Ortiz, Devin Haney, and Andy Cruz—as potential opponents in 2025.
Guided by his father and trainer, Ernesto Mercado Sr., the progression has been deliberate and disciplined—no shortcuts, no rush, just consistent progress.
P-Town knows what it’s watching. The rest of the division is catching up.
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