The super lightweight division gets a compelling prospect showcase when Carlos Utria — the unbeaten 22-year-old Colombian who swept through the WBC’s 2025 Grand Prix at 140 lbs — steps up against Israel “Bad Ways” Mercado on Saturday night in Las Vegas. At just 22, Utria is one of the division’s most interesting young names, and a PPV undercard against an experienced American fighter is exactly the kind of step-up that will reveal where he really stands.
| Date | Saturday, August 22, 2026 |
| Venue | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Promotion | TGB Promotions |
| Broadcast | DAZN PPV |
| Start Time | Undercard |
| Division | Super Lightweight (140 lbs) |
| Scheduled Rounds | 10 |
Carlos Utria (14-0-0) is one of the most exciting young prospects in the lighter weight classes. Born in Soplaviento, Colombia, in September 2003 — he is 22 years old — Utria turned professional in 2023 and has not looked back. After building early experience in regional Colombian promotions, he entered the WBC’s 2025 Super Lightweight Grand Prix and won the entire tournament, progressing from the Preliminaries in April through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals, stopping multiple opponents along the way. His Grand Prix record alone included wins over Elianel Guerrero (TKO), Alan Crenz (UD), Spencer Wilcox (UD), Ntethelelo Nkosi (TKO), and Mujibillo Tursunov (UD) in the December final.
Utria fights out of the 140 lb weight class at 5’9” with a generous 69.3” reach — long for the division. He has not been stopped in 14 professional bouts and his knockout percentage is remarkable at over 90%, reflecting a fighter who fights like a finisher even when decisions come his way.
Israel “Bad Ways” Mercado (13-1-2) is a 31-year-old orthodox super lightweight from Pomona, California, who has been a consistent operator in the division since 2016. He is not a world title contender, but he is the kind of test that separates genuine prospects from fighters padded on regional opponents. His record includes a points loss to Arthur Biyarslanov (2021) and two draws — one against Jesus Silveyra and one against Leonardo Rubalcava — suggesting a fighter who is competitive at a high amateur level but struggles when the opposition boxes at range.
Mercado’s recent form has been solid: four wins on the bounce including a majority decision over the experienced Branden Pizarro (June 2025), wins over Jonathan Eniz and Dondrell Haynes, and a majority draw with Rubalcava (January 2025). At 5’8” with a 69” reach and a 58% career KO rate, he punches well and has the experience to take Utria into deep water.
| Utria | Mercado | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 22 | 31 |
| Height | 5’9” | 5’8” |
| Reach | 69.3” | 69.0” |
| Stance | — | Orthodox |
| Record | 14-0-0 | 13-1-2 |
| Debut | 2023 | 2016 |
Carlos Utria — Last 5 Fights
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Mujibillo Tursunov | Win | UD | — |
| Oct 2025 | Ntethelelo Nkosi | Win | TKO | R1 |
| Aug 2025 | Spencer Wilcox | Win | UD | — |
| Jun 2025 | Alan Crenz | Win | UD | — |
| Apr 2025 | Elianel Guerrero | Win | TKO | R2 |
Israel Mercado — Last 5 Fights
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | Branden Pizarro | Win | MD | — |
| Apr 2025 | Jonathan Eniz | Win | UD | — |
| Jan 2025 | Leonardo Rubalcava | Draw | MD | — |
| Jul 2024 | Dondrell Haynes | Win | UD | — |
| Nov 2023 | Wesley Rivers | Win | UD | — |
The central question here is whether Utria’s Grand Prix run — fought largely against international-level opposition in controlled tournament environments — has fully prepared him for the style and durability that Mercado offers. The WBC Grand Prix is a legitimate proving ground, but the format can favour young stoppage artists who peak early in rounds; Mercado is a seasoned American journeyman who will not fold on a single punch.
Utria’s 69.3” reach gives him length and the ability to land early at the end of longer punches, which suits his high KO rate. His challenge at this stage is making that range advantage pay over a 10-round format against a man who has fought 15 times professionally and has been in some competitive points battles. The size differential is narrow — Mercado at 5’8”/69” is not physically overmatched.
Mercado’s path to victory runs through decision boxing: move, jab, stay disciplined, avoid Utria’s cleaner power shots, and make the round count. His 13-1-2 record shows he can bank decisions. If he keeps Utria’s right hand off him and makes this a messy, grinding fight, he has a real chance.
For Utria: • Establish the reach advantage early with an active jab • Look for the right hand combination — don’t settle for just landing the jab • Use angles and cut off the ring to prevent Mercado from circling out • Trust his finishing instincts when he lands clean
For Mercado: • Stay disciplined, don’t get in range of Utria’s power in the pocket • Make it ugly — clinch when necessary, work the ref • Use his jab to disrupt Utria’s timing and rhythm • Outwork Utria in mid-range rather than trading at range
Tapology community: Utria 96% / Mercado 4% — the public is virtually unanimous.
The numbers back Utria heavily. At 22, unbeaten, with a dominant Grand Prix run and real finishing power, he is simply operating at a different level than Mercado right now. The only realistic outcome where Mercado wins involves Utria being reckless, getting drawn into a brawl, and getting outworked on points over 10 rounds — possible, but unlikely against a finisher of Utria’s quality.
Prediction: Carlos Utria by TKO, somewhere in the middle rounds. Utria has the tools to make this short work. If Mercado stays disciplined and avoids big shots, it could go to the cards — but Utria’s power gives him the more likely path.
| Region | Broadcaster | Time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | DAZN PPV | Undercard (timing TBC) |
| United Kingdom | DAZN PPV | Late evening/early hours BST |
| Australia | DAZN | Morning AEST |
The Romero vs. Lopez PPV card also features: Rolando Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez for the WBA welterweight title, Victor Santillan vs. Gary Antonio Russell for the Interim WBA super bantamweight title, and Yoenli Hernandez vs. Francisco Veron at middleweight.
When is Utria vs. Mercado? Saturday, August 22, 2026, on the undercard of the Romero vs. Lopez DAZN PPV at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
Who is Carlos Utria? A 22-year-old unbeaten Colombian super lightweight who won the WBC’s 2025 Super Lightweight Grand Prix — a five-fight tournament against international competition — while remaining unbeaten in 14 professional contests.
Who is Israel Mercado? A 31-year-old American super lightweight from Pomona, California, with a 13-1-2 record. Known as “Bad Ways,” he has been consistently active and competitive in the division since 2016.
How many rounds is this fight? 10 rounds.
Is there a title on the line? No title is on the line for this super lightweight bout.
What is Utria’s record? 14-0-0 with a high knockout percentage.
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