Emiliano Vargas Vs. Ernesto Mercado: Social Media Feud Ignites Light Welterweight Division

Emiliano Vargas traded words with light welterweight contender Ernesto Mercado on social media today.

Emiliano Vargas: Jealousy Accusations

The son of the famous Fernando Vargas, Emiliano (15-0, 13 KOs), who has been given a lot of attention thanks to his promoters at Top Rank, accused Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs) of being jealous of the attention that he’s receiving from fans and the media.

Ideally, Emiliano would agree to fight Ernesto Mercado so they could settle their beef inside the ring. Top Rank will likely not take that chance. Emiliano is a future money-maker, and they’re grooming him in the same way they did Edgar Berlanga and are currently doing with Xander Zayas. That means no tough fights where the outcome isn’t 100% assured ahead of time for Vargas.

Amateur Credentials: Mercado’s Edge

Vargas, 21, said that people don’t know who the Matchroom-promoted ‘Tito’ Mercado, 23, is, and that by fighting him, it’s the only way fans would learn about him. In a way, Emiliano is right. Mercado hasn’t been given the same huge promotional push by his promoter, Eddie Hearn, that Top Rank has given to Emiliano.

Hearn has so many big names on his Matchroom roster that he doesn’t have time to promote them in the same way that Top Rank is doing with Emiliano Vargas. Ernesto Mercado is an incredible talent, with far better amateur credentials than Vargas, but Hearn isn’t giving him the same promotional push.

We see the same thing with 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz. He’s promoted by Matchroom as well. Cruz is widely regarded as the best fighter in the lightweight division, in the view of a lot of people, a far better talent than Shakur Stevenson. Hearn rarely mentions Andy. Hearn has too many talented fighters, and he’s the main guy who does all the talking for Matchroom.

Poor dude nobody wants to see you fight. I don’t even have a belt and you know this is your money fight. 🤣 This is your only way of people knowing who you are. Keep watching me win. #lilboy https://t.co/o5hbWrX2al

— Emiliano Vargas (@emilianofvargas) July 30, 2025

“Money fight? Dam, you really are delusional, I thought it was all an act 😂. It’s sad you think you’re a star, I’m embarrassed for you mijo🤦‍♂️Keep living off your daddy’s name, it’s the only thing you’re good at,” said Eneresto Mercado on X, replying to Emiliano.

Did that boy really just say he’s the best 140lb fighter in the world? 🤨 #Trash

— realtitomercado (@realtitomercado) July 27, 2025

Mercado would likely destroy Emiliano because he has better talent and fundamentals. Vargas is more like a chip off the old block, fighting like his dad, Fernando. Once Top Rank matches against someone good in the future, he’ll get exposed.