Super lightweight sensation Ernesto “Tito” Mercado – BoxingScene.com’s 2023 prospect of the year – is looking to make the leap from blue chipper into a world title contender in 2024.

Another step in heading toward that goal arrives Saturday when Mercado (13-0, 12 KOs) takes on Victoriano Antonio Santillan (11-6-2, 8 KOs) to headline a MarvNation Promotions show at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center in Hawaiian Gardens, California. The card will stream on MarvNation TV. 

Mercado had a banner 2023 campaign going 5-0 with four knockouts, stopping former world title challengers like Jeremia Nakathila and Hank Lundy in just a total of three rounds. He also went the distance for the first time in his three-year career and scored a near-shutout unanimous decision win against Xolisani Ndongeni, a durable South African who’s fought tough against Devin Haney and Arnold Barboza Jr. 

“I thought it was a great year. I fought a lot of guys who had a lot of experience,” Mercado told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “To look as good as I did, it means a lot. It means a lot to me as well to get the prospect of the year award.” 

Although Mercado has also scored a stoppage win against former world title challenger Jayson Velez, the series of convincing wins against credible contenders has not been enough for the 22-year-old from Pomona, California to crack the top 15 rankings lists from any of the four major sanctioning bodies. 

Mercado is a promotional free agent who’s backed by his father and trainer Neto. 

The father and son duo are ready to take on all comers, but landing step-up opponents has often been a struggle. Mercado was originally supposed to be showcased on Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions show on Jan. 27, but an opponent never materialized.  

“I'm willing to get in the ring with anybody,” said Mercado. “I'm just waiting for my shot. I want to win the belts and be respected for who I beat.”

The confident Mercado believes he’s ready to take on the likes of current champions like Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez Jr., Subriel Matias, and Rolando Romero right now. He also welcomes a crack at former world titleholders like Josh Taylor, Jose Ramirez, and Regis Prograis. 

Neto believes Richardson Hitchins, Joseph Diaz Jr., and Barboza could also be great opponents. 

“He's at that level. He's a killer. He does things differently as an unorthodox fighter,” Neto Mercado told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “He does it all and fighting a guy like him is a nightmare for opponents. We’re looking to make another statement to start the year. He's winning fights and waiting for his opportunity to get in there with the bigger names. We just need to get him ranked in the top five of all of the sanctioning bodies. His name is already in the mix, but getting a ranking will be essential to his career.” 

A win against the 29-year-old Argentinian Santillan won’t bring the big-name recognition that the likes of Velez, Lundy, and Nakathila have to Mercado’s meteoric rise, but the fight will be essential to determine how high his star can eventually reach. 

“I have a real killer instinct mentality,” said Mercado. “I'm willing to make these fights happen. When I talk a lot of sh!t I back it up. I think I have a real awkward style for these guys. I'm a big guy who's a power puncher with speed, athleticism and skill. Anyone who gets in the ring with me is going to have a lot to deal with. 

“I was in a sense [surprised how easy it was in 2023]. But I went overboard in preparation, so I guess in a sense, no. I put in a lot of hard work. Once I land a punch, fortunately they go out quickly.” 

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.