Local Boxer’s Second Bout Set on Tribute Card

ATLANTIC CITY — Fight number two is set for a local welterweight who won his first pro bout last month.
Lower Cape May Regional High School alum Josh Mercado will battle Allentown, Pa. native Joel Nieves in the Pennsylvania boxer’s professional debut. The scheduled four-round fight will take place on Sept. 19 at Bally’s Atlantic City in a tribute card to Arturo Gatti, a recently deceased boxer who thrilled Bally’s fight fans on many occasions.
Mercado, who had an excellent amateur career highlighted by a 2007 National Collegiate Championship at Lock Haven University, won his initial pro fight in a unanimous four-round decision over Philly boxer Terrell Boggs. That match also took place at Bally’s on Aug. 8.
Conn McMullan, Mercado’s trainer, said his fighter started training again right after his debut.
“Josh is still in great shape working out and running regularly,” McMullan told the Herald. “He’s also been sparring with me but he needs something more than that.”
McMullan, a former pro fighter from Ireland, often takes Mercado to Atlantic City to train with seasoned boxers. McMullan knew his boxer was ready last month because he was “holding his own” with more experienced fighters.
Little is known of the newcomer Nieves, McMullan said.
“But since Josh has been working so hard and looked so good in his first fight, I like his chances,” McMullan added.
As in Mercado’s first fight, anyone interested in purchasing tickets ($50) to the match can stop by Owen’s Pub, 119 E 17th Ave., North Wildwood and ask for Conn McMullan.
Mercado sold about 150 tickets to the first bout and those who attended were thrilled by an exciting fight night. Those who make it this time are sure not to be disappointed.
The main event for “Night of Thunder: A Tribute to Arturo Gatti” features Philadelphia’s undefeated super bantamweight Teon Kennedy versus West African champion Lante Addy, of Accra, Ghana. Other matches on the card include: Anthony Flores, of Philadelphia, in a six-round Super Featherweight bout against Victor Valenzuela, of Passaic; Atlantic City fighter Alfred Kinsey in a six- round Light Heavyweight fight against Philadelphia’s Garrett Wilson; and several other matches featuring local fighters.
“Bally’s is very pleased to participate in this special night of boxing featuring a ‘Tribute to Arturo Gatti’. Bally’s and Caesars sponsored the majority of Arturo’s fights in Atlantic City,” said Ken Condon, sports and entertainment consultant for Harrah’s Entertainment. “It is time we acknowledge Arturo for not only his Championship boxing ability but also his tremendous support of the Atlantic City community.”
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com