Ernesto Mercado believes the quickest route to the biggest fights of his career isn’t through public callouts. He plans to earn a mandatory position that leaves a world champion with far fewer options.
The light welterweight contender said it has been frustrating watching potential matchups disappear despite his willingness to face the division’s top names. Mercado pointed to talks that never materialized with Frank Martin and Arnold Barboza Jr., but his recent climb in the rankings has reinforced his belief that patience will eventually pay off.
“It’s definitely frustrating. Especially a lot of these guy
