Ellie Scotney Dominates Yamileth Mercado in Super Bantamweight Unification Bout

On July 11, 2025, Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted a thrilling super bantamweight unification fight between England’s Ellie Scotney and Mexico’s Yamileth Mercado. The bout, featured on the undercard of the highly anticipated Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III, saw Scotney deliver a masterclass performance to claim the WBC title, adding it to her existing IBF, WBO, and Ring magazine belts. With this victory, Scotney moved one step closer to becoming the undisputed champion at 122 pounds.

Ellie Scotney, 27, entered the ring with an undefeated record of 10-0, holding the IBF and WBO super bantamweight titles. Known for her technical brilliance, sharp footwork, and high boxing IQ, the Londoner has quickly risen through the ranks since turning professional in 2021. Her amateur pedigree and methodical style made her a formidable opponent, though she had yet to secure a knockout in her professional career.

Yamileth Mercado, also 27, brought a record of 24-3, with 5 knockouts, and a wealth of experience as the WBC super bantamweight champion since 2019. The Mexican veteran, nicknamed “Yeimi,” had defended her title seven times and faced top-tier competition, including a unanimous decision loss to Amanda Serrano in 2021. Despite her grit and durability, Mercado faced an uphill battle against Scotney’s precision and speed.

Both fighters stood at 5’4” and fought out of an orthodox stance, with Scotney weighing in at 121.8 pounds and Mercado at 121 pounds. While Mercado’s experience was undeniable, Scotney was the heavy favorite, with odds as high as -1000 reflecting her dominance in the division.

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

From the opening bell, Scotney showcased her superior speed and technical prowess. In Round 1, she established her jab, landing crisp combinations and an overhand right that set the tone for her dominance. Mercado, eager to respond, struggled to match Scotney’s timing, eating shots as she pressed forward.

By Round 3, Scotney’s left hooks and overhand rights were landing with increasing accuracy, forcing Mercado into clinches to slow the pace. Scotney’s body work began to take its toll, with Mercado appearing a step slower.

In Round 4, Scotney continued her relentless pressure, targeting Mercado’s body and circling back into open space to avoid being pinned against the ropes. Mercado’s attempts to land big shots were thwarted by Scotney’s movement and defensive acumen.

By Round 6, Scotney’s speed and combinations had Mercado visibly frustrated, with the Mexican unable to find an answer to the Brit’s relentless pace. Social media updates noted Mercado’s lack of response to Scotney’s onslaught, predicting a potential shutout.

In Round 8, despite both fighters showing signs of fatigue, Scotney maintained her edge, landing flurries to the body and head while Mercado resorted to clinching for brief respites. Scotney’s aggression peaked as she pinned Mercado against the ropes, though a knockout remained elusive.

Round 9 saw Scotney assert her dominance further, tossing Mercado to the ground after a clinch and landing a sharp combination to close the round. Mercado’s resilience kept her in the fight, but Scotney’s precision was overwhelming.

By the final bell in Round 10, Scotney had outclassed Mercado, who showed incredible heart but couldn’t match the Brit’s skill. The judges’ scorecards reflected Scotney’s dominance, with unanimous decision scores of 100-90, 98-92, and 98-92, securing her the WBC title and solidifying her status as the division’s top fighter.

Key Moments and Impact

Scotney’s performance was a showcase of technical mastery, with her footwork, angles, and volume punching overwhelming Mercado throughout the 10-round bout. Despite Mercado’s toughness and a nasty cut sustained during the fight, she couldn’t close the gap against Scotney’s superior skill set.

The victory marked Scotney’s 11th professional win, moving her to 11-0, and brought her within one belt of undisputed status, with only the WBA title held by Mayelli Flores remaining. Scotney dedicated the win to her late friend and fellow boxer Georgia O’Connor, who passed away from cancer earlier in 2025, adding an emotional layer to the triumph. Her tribute resonated with the Madison Square Garden crowd, who applauded as she honored O’Connor’s memory.

Mercado, now 24-4, suffered her first loss since 2021 and relinquished her WBC title, which she had held for nearly six years. Despite the defeat, her grit and experience made the fight competitive, though Scotney’s dominance was undeniable.

What’s Next?

Scotney’s path to undisputed champion status now points toward a potential showdown with WBA titleholder Mayelli Flores. With Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions backing her, Scotney is poised to become a global star in women’s boxing. Her promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, praised her as the best boxer under 30, highlighting her personality and in-ring ability as key to her rise.

For Mercado, the loss marks a setback, but her experience and resilience suggest she’ll remain a contender in the division. A potential rematch or bouts against other top super bantamweights could be on the horizon.

Conclusion

Ellie Scotney’s unanimous decision victory over Yamileth Mercado on July 11, 2025, cemented her as the preeminent force in the super bantamweight division. With three of the four major titles now in her possession, the 27-year-old Brit is on the cusp of boxing history. Her performance at Madison Square Garden, coupled with her emotional tribute to Georgia O’Connor, underscored both her skill and her heart, making her a fighter to watch in the years ahead.