The “Stay Away” List: Why Top Rank Won’t Risk Vargas Against Ernesto Mercado

Tim Bradley and Max Kellerman believe Mercado’s power and pressure make him a high-risk opponent as he pushes for a WBO title eliminator.

Tim Bradley does not believe Top Rank will put Emiliano Vargas in the ring with Ernesto Mercado despite Mercado calling for the fight. Bradley argued Mercado’s power and aggressive style make him a dangerous assignment as he closes in on a WBO title eliminator.

“They [Top Rank] not putting that boy [Emiliano] in the ring with you,” Bradley said on Inside the Ring. “He’s not ready for you. But I want to know, how do you get these guys in the ring? When you go to different promotional companies, they have little stickers on the wall, and they have certain guys on the wall. They have ‘stay away from you’ on their wall. How do you feel you’re going to get an opportunity to really showcase your talent against the highest guys at the highest level, man?”

Mercado acknowledged the challenge but believes his career is moving toward the opportunities he has been asking for.

“That’s why I got to keep knocking on the door. I’m close to being a mandatory. With the new partnership with Salita, I think we’re going to make that happen.”

Max Kellerman agreed with Bradley’s view, arguing Mercado presents the type of risk many promoters would rather avoid while bringing their own prospects along.

“And you understand why guys would want to stay away because wherever you wind up, you’re going to bring it, you got explosive power, and you fight with a level of intensity. People don’t need those problems, especially when they’re trying to develop young fighters,” said Kellerman.