Hailing from Ciudad Cuauhtémoc in Chihuahua, Mexico, Yamileth "Yeimi" Mercado (pictured) has held the WBC super bantamweight world title since November 2019, when she dethroned Kenya’s Fatuma Zarika. Since then, she’s racked up seven successful title defenses, highlighted by her most recent win, a unanimous decision in June 2024 over Ramla Ali. With a professional record of 24 wins, 3 losses and 5 KOs, Mercado has solidified her position as a force in Mexican women’s boxing. Her aggressive yet technical style, coupled with her unwavering discipline, has been honed under the tutelage of Zanfer Boxing, one of Latin America’s premier promoters.

 

“Yeimi’s” story also underscores her sheer determination: due to limited amateur activity in her region, she turned professional at just 16 years old after a brief but impactful stint in amateur boxing. Mercado also pursued a nursing degree, juggling her training sessions with hospital rotations. She even woke up at 3 AM to train before heading to the hospital, allowing her to hit the books and throw punches simultaneously.

 

Mercado, is now bracing for the biggest challenge of her career: a unification bout against the UK’s Ellie Scotney, the IBF and WBO champion. The fight is slated for Friday, July 11th 2025, at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. It will be a featured bout on the highly anticipated Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III card.

 

The clash with Scotney, who is undefeated fighter in ten fights, presents a historic opportunity for Mercado to become a unified champion and pave the way for an eventual undisputed championship in a division where Mexico has maintained a strong foothold. [The WBA champion is Mayelli Flores Rosquero of Mexico]. The event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in association with Matchroom Boxing and Zanfer Boxing, is shaping up to be the year’s most significant date for women’s boxing.