Tito Mercado Deep In Training At Sugar Shane Mosley’s Big Bear Gym- Breaking Boxing News
Knockout artist and rising star Ernesto “Tito” Mercado is deep in training camp in Big Bear, Calif., at boxing Hall of Famer “Sugar” Shane Mosley’s gym as he prepares to face Emmanuel Tagoe in the co-main event of the Claressa Shields vs. Kaye Scott blockbuster event on Saturday, Aug. 15 live on DAZN from State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs) has spent the last four weeks in Big Bear with his father and longtime trainer Ernest Mercado Sr., with boxing legend Mosley serving as a training advisor. The 140-pound contender will look to extend his knockout streak to nine fights in his debut fight since signing a long-term partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.
The 24-year-old Mercado will break camp this Friday, Aug. 7 to travel to Atlanta, the site of his professional debut on July 31, 2021. A little more than five years later, Mercado will make his second appearance on a Claressa Shields card as he looks to put the 140-pound division on notice. TRAINING VIDEO: https://youtu.be/PSCQvt-cj44
“The altitude has been great,” Mercado said. “It’s a different type of training and breathing, it really challenges your mental state. It’s 90 percent of the recipe in this fight game. I’m locked in. I’ve sacrificed so much, I feel bad for my opponent on August 15.
“The work I’ve put in this camp is going to shine on fight night. I can’t wait to put on a show for the fans at State Farm Arena. I’m going to keep the crowd on its feet and warm it up for the GWOAT.”
The 5-foot-10 native of Pompano, Calif., is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO and No. 5 by the IBF. Under the tutelage of his father, Mercado has gone past the sixth round just twice as his level of opposition has steadily increased since turning pro in Atlanta.
“After Sugar Shane invited us to train at his gym it was a no-brainer to have a fellow Pomona legend like Shane part of our camp,” Mercado Sr. said. “The elevation, the isolation are all key to helping us stay focused and away from distractions as we prepare for Aug. 15.
“We’ve been meticulous in this camp about setting up Tito’s shots. He’s looking really good. He’s ready. He’s willing to go through deep waters, go in there and do what a lot of other fighters won’t do. I’m really seeing that in this camp and as he continues to grow as a fighter. He has all the ingredients to be great. He can be bent, but can’t be broken.”
Mosley, who trained in Big Bear for much of his Hall of Fame career, has been impressed by Mercado’s work ethic and stamina in the high altitude of San Bernardino National Forest.
“Tito has a lot of great talent – speed, great power, and movement,” Mosley said. “His approach to the fight is really high quality. He has the mentality of a champion, it’ll only be a matter of time until becomes one.
“I’m excited to see him fight on August 15, in what I believe will be a knockout. I was in the ring with him, so I can say firsthand he’s more than ready. He will be victorious. My advice was really just about having that championship mentality and keeping him on track. I’m so proud that we have another fighter representing Pomona.”
Presented by Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records, Claressa Shields Promotions and Route 30 Promotions, and presenting sponsor Zeus Network, the historic event marks the first women’s headliner at State Farm Arena. Remaining tickets for Aug. 15 are available on Ticketmaster.com.
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