In college, Wildwood’s Josh Mercado majored in secondary education social studies, and he’ll subsequently be looking for a teaching position beginning in January.
“I’ll look for a high school job, hopefully teaching inner city kids,” he said in a recent telephone interview.
But this well-spoken, erudite young man has some other professional business to take care of prior to that job search. With an amateur boxing record of 41 wins and 6 losses, the 2007 Collegiate 139-lb National Champion from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania will soon turn professional.
Local fans can see Mercado box in person during North Wildwood’s Irish Weekend, when he takes on Jim Ferrim, a well-established boxer with an impressive 103-10 record.
“This will be my toughest opponent to date,” Mercado acknowledged, “and my first internationally sanctioned bout.”
As a kid, Mercado played all the popular team sports, but as a competitor, he disliked having to depend on others.
“I’m competitive,” he said. “In team sports, the outcome always depends on the (collective) performance of teammates. With boxing, I rely on me. I’m the only one in this.”
Mixing the two careers—teaching and boxing—won’t be a new experience for the 23-year old.
“When I was student-teaching,” he explained, “I would be at the gym by 5 a.m., then be ready for class at 7 a.m. After school, I’d go back to the gym. I would be going until 9 p.m. most days.”
Mercado trains at the Wildwood Boxing Club, but travels to Atlantic City to spar. That’s where he’s tested by top fighters in his weight class. It was at the Wildwood club that he hooked up with his trainer, Conn McMullen.
“Conn McMullen is from Carnlough, Ireland,” Mercado said. “As a professional, he has fought some of the best fighters in Europe, including World Champion Wayne ‘the Pocket Rocket’ McCullough.
“Conn is rebuilding me, heading me toward a pro career. He’s more than a trainer. I’m with him all the time. I go to his home for dinner; we talk about life…
“He has a lot to share,” Mercado continued. “He’s from that strong Irish background, and Irish culture is so rich.”
Mercado’s sponsor is Morey’s Piers. He has worked for the Morey’s Corporation for five years. It was Morey’s that flew him out to Missouri this past July for the Ringside World Championships.
“I have to thank Will Morey Jr., Geoff Rogers, and Lee Brasch,” he noted. “The Morey’s Corporation has been completely supportive of my boxing career.”
As a ring competitor, Mercado strives to be a “complete” fighter.
“There are several fighters that I admire—De La Hoya, Mayweather…and I try to be a little of all of them,” he said. “I go into the ring with a Plan A, a Plan B, a Plan C, a Plan D. I’m always ready to change my tactic to counter what the opponent does.
“You can’t have an ego in this sport,” he added. “You have to learn something every day.”
Mercado will be part of a 10-bout card presented on Irish Weekend at 7:30 p.m. on the other side of Keenan’s Bar, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave. in North Wildwood.
Although now single, Mercado does look forward to a time when he can have a wife and children.
“I think, maybe, four boys would be nice,” he said. “But I would continue to box.
“I can’t see myself not doing this,” he said.
