Check out our exclusive interview with Los Angeles native Ernesto “Tito” Mercado who has claimed the NABA Gold Title.
At young age, Tito has already made a name for himself in the world of boxing with an impressive amateur record of 278-11 and numerous championships under his belt, including a gold medal internationally. Tito’s dedication to his craft both in and out of the ring, as well as his passion for making a positive impact on the world, make him a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to killing in the boxing world, Tito and his father have founded an organization called Gangs to Grace, a program that helps kids channel their aggression in a more positive way. The program has since grown from its humble beginnings in a church, to a larger facility that now serves kids who have been sent by the court system.
Follow Tito @realtitomercado
Hi Tito, tell us a little about your childhood and what drew you to boxing?
My childhood was growing up in the city of Pomona, where there’s a lot of drug and gang crimes throughout the city. With all that going on, I also had a father who was lost for some time in that type of lifestyle. Luckily, boxing was the outlet to not only save my dad but me as well from that type of lifestyle. My father was a boxer back in his teenage years and I saw my dad training my uncle, it was intriguing when I saw them working out and I just saw it as a way to spend time with my dad since I rarely saw him bc of work or being in the streets. So I told my dad I wanted to do it, and from there, there was no looking back and it was the best thing that happened to both of us.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Biggest influence in my life is God
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Ambitious, Fearless, powerful
Name one your strengths?
My Mental strength
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
Winning my last recent fight by KO (knockout) in the first round against a good fighter named Henry Hank Lundy.
What advice you can give to new young kids who are looking to be into professional boxing?
To be open minded to learning, constantly improve your skills by watching fight films and correcting your mistakes early.
Did you always wanted to be into boxing?
Yes this what I always wanted to do since I was 4 yrs old and never had a change of thought.
As you were coming up in your career, did you have any trainers that you think made a particular difference in your success as a boxer?
I definitely learn from everybody whether it’s coaches or fighters by watching certain things but I’ve always had one trainer throughout my whole career and that’s been my father. And We had tremendous success thus far so I would say yes.
Tell us about your training and diet for daily basis and for a fight preparation?
Training is definitely the most intense with doing 3 workouts a day 3 times a week and 2 workouts a day for the rest of the week. These workouts include running, strength and conditioning training and boxing training/sparring. My diet as well is an important part of my preparation as I eat chicken, fish, vegetables, etc, foods that are good for my body.
Do you ever get nervous?
No not anymore, I think my nerves went away around 14 years old.
Can you share your experience of your last fight winning the NABA Gold Title?
It felt great just to have a taste of what it feels like to have a title and I’m eager to win more!
When you look back, what are your most memorable moments in the ring?
Honestly, all of them. I think the journey that I’m taking to fight in major events, I know one day I’ll look back and each and every fight that I had will all be so memorable for me.
What do you think is the difference from you to other rivals?
The difference is I’m not afraid whether I live or die in the ring, and that allows me to push fighters to limits that they won’t cross.
Who’s your favorite boxer?
My favorite boxer is Alexis Argüello
For you, who is the GOAT in boxing?
That’s hard to say, they were so many great fighters but I think Roy Jones might be it for me.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
The title would be the Chosen One because I feel everything I been through was for a purpose! I feel not only am I going to change the dynamic of boxing but also make an impact in the world.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful social media account?
I think being consistent and being yourself is the secret.
As a popular boxing fighter, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
Definitely at times puts pressure but I usually don’t think too much of it because then I wouldn’t living for me but for the world. I want everyone that looks up to me to have the authentic version and not just an act you know, so I live my life and do what I think is the right thing and ultimately just try to encourage and help as many people as I can.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Just to relax and that everything will work out in the end. I say this because I think at times as kids or even young adults we put this extra weight on our shoulders thinking we have to have it all figured out and in reality we don’t. It’s life and we learn with the mistakes and successes to eventually get it right.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself a champion of the world in several weight classes and hopefully helping in some positive way with the platform I’ll have.
What music do you like?
I like rap, reggaeton, r&b, alternative. I like a bit of everything.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would’ve liked to have met Tupac because he was so ahead of his time not only in music but on also how he viewed the world and wanted to make a difference.
How would your best friend describe you?
A person who’s always striving for something better.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Salmon
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Gum, hair brush, cologne
What’s your favorite quote?
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
What’s next for Ernesto “Tito” Mercado in 2023?
Hopefully to be able to get 3 more fights by the end of the year and win some more belts to put my name with the top names in boxing.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Start off the day with some breakfast pancakes then go to the golf course to shoot some holes. Finish off the day with some gaming with my friends.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s a great way to promote and stay connected
Where our readers can follow you?
You can follow me on all social media platforms @realtitomercado
Song: No easy way out – Robert Tepper
Movie/Tv Series: King Kong (movie)
Book: Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban
Travel Destination: Italy
Drink: Coke
