UNDEFEATED super-bantam star Ellie Scotney will face the tough Yamileth Mercado in a high-stakes unification clash on Friday, 11 July.
IBF, WBO and IBO belt-holder Scotney (10-0) takes on WBC champion Mercado, 24-3 (5 KOs), on the all-female MVP promotions fight card at Madison Square Garden. Headlined by the trilogy bout between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the event will be streamed globally on Netflix.
Also featured on the stacked card is Alycia Baumgardner, who will defend her five super-featherweight titles against Spain’s Jennifer Miranda, while Ramla Ali returns to action against Brazilian Lila Furtado.
Scotney, 27, last fought in January, beating Mea Motu comfortably on points to claim the IBO title in Nottingham. The Londoner has developed rapidly since turning professional in 2020 and is now promoted by Jake Paul’s ‘Most Valuable Promotions’.
Mercado, also 27, brings a wealth of experience to the bout and has fought 17 more times than Scotney. The Chihuahua native has racked up 27 fights and 199 rounds, more than double Scotney’s 90. She previously challenged pound-for-pound star Amanda Serrano in a gutsy 2021 performance at featherweight.
Since defeating Ramla Ali for the WBC super-bantam championship in June of last year, Mercado has been out of the ring. Scotney, on the other hand, heads straight back into battle after her January victory.
While Scotney lacks knockout power, she’s known for her sharp timing and quick footwork. Qualities that could be crucial against a rugged opponent like Mercado, who just keeps coming forward.
With both women aiming to become undisputed, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The fighters are expected to ringwalk at around 9:00 PM EST at Madison Square Garden, which is around 2:00 AM BST in the UK.
Ellie Scotney vs. Yamileth Mercado Fight Prediction
While Yamileth Mercado brings more experience and grit to the ring, I give Ellie Scotney a slight edge in this unification bout. Scotney is the fresher fighter, with far less wear and tear than her Mexican counterpart.
Her footwork and timing could be key in neutralizing Mercado’s pressure and volume. It won’t be easy, as Mercado is as tough as they come. However, Scotney’s precision and composure may prove just enough to see her through to a close but deserved points victory.
