Israel Mercado

Israel De Jesus Mercado Hernandez (born May 18, 1995) is an American professional boxer from Pomona, California. Nicknamed “Bad Ways,” Mercado stands 5-foot-8 with a 69-inch reach and fights from an orthodox stance. He has competed primarily in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions.

Mercado made his professional debut in October 2016, stopping Phillip Percy in the second round. He followed that victory with a run of knockout wins over Victor Martinez Barraza, Yahir Patino, Daniel Bastien, Thomas Herrera, Alfredo Hernandez and Mike Fowler.

As his competition improved, Mercado showed greater versatility over the distance. He earned unanimous-decision victories over Adrian Valdovinos and Mike Sanchez before suffering the first defeat of his professional career against Arthur Biyarslanov by majority decision in April 2021.

Mercado later fought Jesus Silveyra Carrillo to a split draw in 2023 and Leonardo Rubalcava to a majority draw in January 2025. He followed those results with decision victories over Jonathan Jose Eniz and Branden Pizarro.

His June 2025 victory over Pizarro came by majority decision over ten rounds and earned Mercado the NABA super lightweight title, marking one of the most significant achievements of his professional career.