Controversy in boxing this weekend.
Despite some claiming there was no boxing on this weekend — they were wrong.
It wasn’t just the UFC and Zuffa Boxing 03 tonight, more action a short time ago.
Ryosuke Nishida won a technical decision win in a great battle against Bryan Mercardo.
The fight had to be stopped in the 7th because of a cut to Nishida.
The former bantamweight world champion is now after that — mandatory for Naoya Inoue with the IBF (The Monster):
For those not familiar with them, or the fight, some facts and quick background:
- IBF super bantamweight (122 lbs) title eliminator.
- Date: February 15, 2026 (Sunday in Japan; early Feb 16 ET).Location: Sumiyoshi Sports Center, Osaka, Japan.
- Nishida (former IBF bantamweight champ) debuted at 122 lbs.
- Mercado entered with a long win streak (around 30 fights).Fight was a back-and-forth war with heavy action.
- Cut on Nishida’s eye started around round 3 (likely accidental).Stopped in round 7 due to worsening cut (doctor’s decision).Nishida won by technical decision (TD7, scores like 69-94 x3 for Nishida).
- Nishida now mandatory challenger for Naoya Inoue’s IBF super bantamweight title.
- Nishida dominated with footwork and lead hand; Mercado pressed late but outclassed.
- Fight called entertaining despite stoppage; some wanted more rounds.
That’s the basics of it. Great scrap.
Both will have seen their stock go up in boxing and new gains for both.
Well done to the winner though.
Inoue takes on Nakatani this year in the big one first up however.
Maybe he can fight the winner later in 2026.
In other boxing action this weekend Aldair Pérez had a big knockout here.
