Mora Suggests Step-Up Fights for Ernesto Mercado After Matchroom Debut

Sergio Mora said Ernesto Mercado showed signs of continued progress following his sixth-round stoppage of Antonio Moran last Saturday, a win that marked the light welterweight contender’s return after nearly a year out of the ring.

Mercado, 24, scored the stoppage in his first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner after being sidelined by injury, closing the bout against the veteran Moran with sustained pressure in the later rounds. It was his first appearance since signing with promoter Eddie Hearn.

Speaking on the Chris Mannix YouTube channel, Mora said Mercado should continue to face experienced opposition as he resumes activity, noting that additional rounds against seasoned fighters would be important at this stage of his career. He mentioned former IBF junior welterweight champion Liam Paro, along with Jamaine Ortiz and Oscar Duarte, as potential next opponents.

“A good match-up for him would be someone like Liam Paro,” Mora said. “That’s a fight where he wouldn’t be able to stand still and would have to go find the other guy.”

Mercado, who remains unbeaten, said he would like to pursue a title opportunity and named the winner of the Jan. 31 bout between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson, which is scheduled to be contested for the WBO junior welterweight belt, as a target.

Such a fight could prove difficult to arrange depending on how the division develops after that bout, with Stevenson and Lopez both expected to remain active at the top level in 2025.

In the meantime, Mercado also identified Keyshawn Davis, Richardson Hitchins, and Gary Antuanne Russell as other opponents he would consider facing as he continues to move up the rankings.

Mora said Matchroom Boxing should take a patient approach with Mercado following his return, pointing to his background as an accomplished amateur who won multiple national titles before turning professional.

Mercado competes in the junior welterweight division.