THREE strong performances saw Diego Pacheco, Andy Cruz and Ernesto Mercado elevate their careers in last night’s Matchroom show at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada.
And with each promising contender extending his unblemished record, Boxing News takes a closer look at five things we learned from their respective fights.
Ernesto Mercado is a deadly addition to the super-lightweight scene
Despite boasting prior stoppages over seasoned veterans Jeremia Nakathila and Henry Lundy – with neither making it past the second round – this was Mercado’s opportunity, on his Matchroom debut, to shine brighter than ever.
Sure enough, the prolific knockout artist did just that against Jose Pedraza, halting the former two-weight world champion with a ferocious onslaught in the fourth round.
Shortly after his ruthless display, Mercado, 17-0 (16 KOs), exchanged several jibes with WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson, moments before calling out IBF super-lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins in his post-fight interview.
But regardless of who he faces next, the 23-year-old represents a formidable test for any fighter at 140 lbs.
Andy Cruz vs Keyshawn Davis would deliver fireworks
Cruz, 5-0 (2 KOs), showed once again that he is levels above the fringe contenders at lightweight, breezing past a rugged but limited Omar Salcido who, in fairness, had just come off an impressive victory over Chris Colbert.
Either way, Cruz is seemingly within touching distance of the world scene where, one can only hope, the Olympic gold medallist will eventually collide with his former amateur rival, Keyshawn Davis.
Davis, of course, is gearing up for his shot at WBO titlist Denys Berinchyk on February 14 but, having previously lost to the Cuban on four occasions, will undoubtedly be looking to exact his revenge against Cruz in the pro ranks.
Diego Pacheco showed new strings to his bow
In what was the toughest test of his professional career, Pacheco, 23-0 (18 KOs), proved that he is more than just a power puncher.
Rather than attempting to march his more aggressive opponent down, the 23-year-old utilised his lateral movement, pivoting off his front foot to maintain the distance between him and Steven Nelson.
And even when Nelson produced a promising surge in the last two rounds, Pacheco was able to keep his shape and remain calm, just as he had done throughout the earlier rounds.
Steven Nelson demonstrated his tremendous durability
Despite losing a wide unanimous decision, Nelson, 20-1 (16 KOs), was highly competitive throughout his contest with Pacheco, never taking a backwards step.
The American’s performance, though not enough to claim a victory, showcased his remarkable punch resistance and mental fortitude, especially after Pacheco began to unleash his spiteful counters in the mid-to-late rounds.
And while, at the age of 36, it is difficult to say how much more Nelson has left to give, there are nonetheless several intriguing fights he could enter at 168 lbs.
Diego Pacheco is ready for a top-five contender
By outpointing Nelson, Pacheco has retained his place as the WBO’s number two-ranked super-middleweight contender.
The king of his division, of course, is pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez, who may even defend his titles against four-division world champion Terence Crawford by the end of this year.
But still, there are several fighters, including Caleb Plant, Osleys Iglesias and Christian Mbilli, who Pacheco could face in the meantime, bolstering his credibility before challenging for world honours.
