Ghanaian boxer Emmanuel “Game Boy” Tagoe’s scheduled WBO International super lightweight showdown with unbeaten American Ernesto “Tito” Mercado has been cancelled after Tagoe came in 10 pounds over the contracted weight limit.
The highly anticipated bout was set for Saturday, August 15, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, with the fighters expected to weigh no more than 140 pounds.
However, Tagoe tipped the scales at 150 pounds during Friday’s official weigh-in, creating a significant weight disparity ahead of the contest.
Both camps reportedly explored financial and structural options to salvage the fight, but negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
Mercado, 24, had prepared specifically for a 140-pound contest and was unwilling to face an opponent who had entered the ring significantly heavier than the agreed limit.
The unbeaten American is ranked No. 4 by the WBO, No. 5 by the IBF and No. 10 by The Ring, with the fight viewed as another step towards a potential world title opportunity.
Tagoe, a former IBO world champion, entered the contest with a 34-2 record, including 16 knockouts. He had previously expressed confidence about taking on Mercado, describing the unbeaten American as the kind of opponent he wanted at this stage of his career.
Following the cancellation, Tagoe accepted responsibility and apologised to his supporters.
“I don’t blame anyone, I blame myself,” Tagoe said.
Mercado remains unbeaten with a 19-0 record and 18 knockouts. The cancellation is reportedly the fourth time in roughly two and a half years that one of his scheduled opponents has either missed weight or withdrawn.
The bout has subsequently been removed from the DAZN undercard featuring Claressa Shields against Kaye Scott, bringing an abrupt end to what had promised to be an important international test for Tagoe and a significant opportunity for Mercado.
