Tagoe Faces Unbeaten Puncher in Atlanta
Emmanuel “Gameboy” Tagoe (34-2, 16 KOs) headlines Ghana’s interest on the card when he takes on unbeaten American knockout artist Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The bout serves as the co-main event of a night topped by Claressa Shields’ clash with Kaye Scott, with the entire card streaming live on DAZN.
Mercado, 24, enters the bout fresh off a long-term promotional agreement with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, and arrives on an eight-fight knockout streak that has lifted him into the world rankings at both the WBO and IBF.
The Ghanaian, by contrast, is the more experienced campaigner. Tagoe’s last high-profile outing came in April 2022, when he was outpointed by Ryan Garcia after going the full distance. Since then, the 37-year-old has fought sparingly, recording wins over Yusuf Ayinde Ogunbunmi in 2024 and Modibo Keita in 2025.
Despite the gap in activity, Tagoe’s durability and championship-level experience make him a credible litmus test for Mercado’s rise, and a win in Atlanta would mark a significant late-career statement for the Ghanaian veteran.
Laryea Chases World Title Path in Buenos Aires
John “Expensive Boxer” Laryea, undefeated and a two-time WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, faces Argentina’s Adrian Maximiliano Robledo in a WBA Title Eliminator at the Casino Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires. The bout headlines the “KO a Los Drogas” card and represents the biggest test yet in Laryea’s professional career.
Trained by Lawrence Carl Lokko at the Bronx Boxing Gym in Jamestown, Accra, with additional preparation in the United States under Robert Garcia, Laryea travels to Argentina backed by the joint management of Baby Jet Promotions and Bronx Boxing Promotions.
Victory over the durable, home-favoured Robledo would move him a significant step closer to his stated ambition: a shot at the WBA World Featherweight Title.
Aryeetey in Action on Maryland Undercard
Mohammed Aryeetey rounds out Ghana’s presence on the night, taking on Johnny Paredes in the other fight on the bill featuring a Ghanaian boxer. The contest forms part of the Boxing Pro-Series, presented by Davis Boxing Promotions, at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, Maryland, on Saturday, August 15.
While lower profile than the Atlanta and Buenos Aires assignments, Aryeetey’s bout continues Ghana’s steady presence on American regional cards and offers him a further opportunity to build his record on foreign soil.
