Ernesto Mercado Says Shakur Stevenson Doesn’t Want to Fight Him

Mercado claimed Stevenson blocked him on social media before outlining the pressure, ring positioning and punch selection he believes would beat the champion.

Ernesto Mercado believes Shakur Stevenson blocking him on social media says more than any public statement. Mercado insists the champion is avoiding a fight and remains convinced he has the pressure and ring craft to break Stevenson down if they ever meet.

“I got no comment on that. He blocked me. So, I’m going to leave it at that. I’m in his head. I live in his head. He don’t want to fight me,” Mercado said to the Inside Ring Show about Shakur blocking him on social media.

The conversation then turned to how Mercado believes he would deal with one of boxing’s slickest defensive fighters.

Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy questioned how Mercado would solve Stevenson’s movement and ability to stay out of range.

“For sure, I win. It might take me a couple of more rounds to get to him because he’s going to move. I’m not worried about that,” Mercado said. “I’m not going to say I’m going to knock him out in the second round unless he acts funny. Then he’s going to get caught, right? It’s going to take me a couple of rounds to catch him. I’m going to cut off the ring on him. I know for sure, I’m going to break him down. I’m not worried about that.”

When Max Kellerman asked why he was so certain, Ernesto credited his own ability rather than pointing to flaws in Shakur.

“I just believe in the skills I got and the power I got. I don’t believe he’ll be able to withstand all that. I really don’t,” Mercado said. “And he won’t be able to run around the ring. I’ll tell you that right now.”

Kellerman also questioned Mercado’s limited professional experience compared with Shakur. Mercado rejected that criticism, arguing his amateur background, combined with 19 pro bouts, gives him more seasoning than many observers recognize.

“Well, a lack of experience as a pro from a round standpoint, but I have deep amateur experience as well as pro. I still have 19 fights. I just make it look easy. So you can’t really discredit me for lack of experience,” Mercado said.