Yamileth Mercado Beats Valenzuela and Proves Ready to Unify
WBC super bantamweight champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (22-3, 5KO), has triumphed once again, claiming her sixth successful title defense against “La Heredera” Paulette Valenzuela (16-3, 4KO). With this victory under her belt, Mercado needs to look toward unification bouts against the division’s other champions.
The clash between these two formidable women was a display of unwavering effort, with both fighters giving their all until the final bell. Valenzuela, a former challenger for the WBO title in 2021, expertly applied pressure, compelling the champion to engage in close-quarters combat.
La Heredera’s strategic body attacks and skillful combination punches pushed Mercado onto the backfoot, and she delivered some formidable right-hand shots.
Yeimi refused to yield to the pressure and countered with relentless determination. She used the jab and superior footwork to gradually seize command of the fight. In addition, her hand speed, polished combination punches, and seasoned championship experience ultimately tilted the balance in her favor.
In the aftermath of her triumph, Mercado took to social media to share a message of gratitude with her fans.
A UNIFICATION BOUT: THE NEXT IMPERATIVE
The landscape of the division brims with tantalizing possibilities. Following her victory over Interim titlist Kudakwashe Chinwandire on March 20, discussions about a potential unification clash with WBA champion Mayerlin Rivas began to surface.
Recently crowned IBF champion Ellie Scotney presents another enticing option. Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Matchroom Boxing, expressed interest in arranging a bout between Scotney and former title contender Julissa Alejandra Guzman. Yet, the prospect of a unification contest against Mercado could reshape this scenario.
The inclusion of WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre into the equation adds to the intrigue. Lefebvre recaptured the title from Debora Dionicius on April 30 after being stripped due to an injury.
As the longest-reigning champion in the division since 2019, Yeimi holds a unique position. With the division’s landscape wide open, the stage is set for an exhilarating unification showdown.
