Following Win Over Isis Vargas, a Mercado vs Jackie Nava Fight Needs to Happen
Yamileth Mercado (19-3, 5 KOs) returned to her winning ways as she successfully defended the WBC women’s junior featherweight title for the third time, defeating the tough Isis “The Empress” Vargas (11-3, 3 KOs) by unanimous decision at the Gimnasio Rodrigo M. Quevedo in Chihuahua, Mexico.
In August 2021, the champ took the bold step of venturing up to featherweight to challenge unified 126-pound champ Amanda Serrano. She gave a good account for herself, but Serrano was too much on the night and won by unanimous decision.
WHERE SHE BELONGS
Back down at 122 pounds to defend the belt against Vargas on April 2, Mercado set the pace in the early rounds. The 24-year-old was aggressive, unleashing combinations after combinations, but the challenger was right there to answer back. Vargas had the reach advantage, and at times she was able to catch the champ with left hooks and right hand. However, what separated Mercado was her better jab and greater work rate. She was able to use that stick to keep Vargas on the back foot, then tee off with shots to the midsection and head.
The firefight continued in the middle rounds when Vargas started to do her best work. She was trying to connect at distance, then tie up when Mercado tried to counter. There were moments when the challenger had the champ backing up. Vargas was far from a pushover, and the action was fierce.
Mercado regained her composure and showed her championship qualities over the last two rounds. At the final bell, the Chihuahua crowd gave both ladies a standing ovation.
READY TO TACKLE THE LEGEND?
The question now becomes, what’s next for Mercado? Her title defense was aired live in Mexico on TV Azteca Deportes. During her fight with Vargas, Mexican fighting icon Jackie “La Princesa Azteca“ Nava (39-4-4, 16 KOs) was prominently mentioned as someone in her sights. It can be argued that Nava is the greatest female fighter that Mexico has produced. As skillful and experienced as anyone, she’s a multiple-time world champion at 118 and 122 pounds. Despite her advanced age, Nava seems to be fighting better than ever. In her last bout, the 41-year-old easily defeated Mariana Juarez by unanimous decision in October 2021.
Mercado v Juarez would create plenty of buzz in Mexico. Both ladies have expressed an interest in facing one another. It would be an intriguing battle of the young lion versus the seasoned vet.
For Juarez, defeating Nava would be a big notch on her belt, especially in Mexico. For Nava, winning another world title against someone entering her prime further solidifies her status as a great fighter. It makes logistic and financial sense for the handlers of both ladies to try to put these two in the ring in 2022.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
