Tito Mercado vs Jayson Velez

Tito Mercado vs Jayson Velez in Ontario

By Uppercut Magazine staff

(Photo by MJS Entertainment)

Almost secretly Ernesto “Tito” Mercado emanates whispers from fans, promoters and potential foes as he rises from underground status to recognition as a lightweight prospect to watch.

Tito Mercado (7-0, 7 Kos) faces a dangerous test as he meets Puerto Rico’s Jayson Velez (30-9-1, 21 Kos) on Saturday Oct. 22, at LumColor Center in Ontario, Calif. The 10-round NABA Silver title fight is promoted by Red Boxing.

Few 20-year-old prospects have ever engaged in such a perilous journey and emerged successful unless their names were Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Shane Mosley or Fernando Vargas.

It’s the path the Mercados, both father and son, chose and believe in. Its’ the reason they have not signed with a promoter or manager. It’s a path they believe takes them straight to their goal of creating a large following and winning a world championship.

“We cut out the middle-man,” said the father Ernesto Mercado Sr. “It’s easier this way.”

But in the ring, Tito Mercado the son will be facing a fighter in Velez who exchanged blows with top lightweight contender Ryan Garcia and knocked out another Puerto Rican slugger “Juanma” Lopez.

“Mercado is a great prospect with a lot of power, but he’s never been in the ring with someone at my level,” said Velez, 34. “I’m coming to win on his home turf. Don’t be surprised if I stop him.”

It’s a dangerous task Mercado faces on Saturday. But it’s the path he chose.

“Fighting for the NABA Silver title this early in my career is a big deal for me. I’m hoping to be catapulted up the WBA rankings with the victory,” said Mercado who grew up mere blocks from where he faces his biggest test yet as a pro. “I finally get to fight in front of my hometown fans.”

Its do or die for Mercado.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The LumColor Center is located at 11255 S. Central Ave. in Ontario, California.