America is my playground – Nakathila

Jeremia ‘Low Key’ Nakathila is in a relaxed mood ahead of his junior welterweight international fight against undefeated American prospect Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado in Ontario, California.

Speaking to Desert Radio before jetting off to the United States (US) on Sunday, the upbeat Nakathila (23-3-0, 19 knockouts) said he has prepared rigorously and is looking forward to executing his game plan.

It will be the Namibian’s fourth fight on US soil, tasting defeat twice and scoring one stunning victory.

Nakathila knocked out former world champion Miguel Berchelt in the sixth round on 22 March, 2022.

He also has engaged in hotly contested battles against current Pound-for-Pound fighter Shakur Stevenson, Zoltan Kovacs and Raymond Muratalla.

“Man, it’s going to be a tough and a good fight, as I have been in the centre of the ring with almost five sparring partners in preparation of this fight,” he said.

“This time around I’m very excited to fight at that level, as the bout will feature as the main event. Every time I go to the US it is always the main bout of the evening.

“This is a big one for me and for Namibian boxers.”

Nakathila, who journeyed with coach Nicky Natangwe, is moving up in weight class for the clash against the promising American.

“I do not know him, except for having heard his name and that he is the son of a former world champion. I’ve watched some of his fights.

“Yes, he is a good boxer, but I am equally good,” Nakathila said of his opponent.

Mercado is coming off a show-stopping first-round knockout of veteran Carlos Manuel Portillo on 26 August.

He also holds impressive stoppage victories over former world title challengers Hank Lundy and Jayson Velez.

“These are the types of fights I want,” said the 21-year-old promotional free agent Mercado.

“Nakathila has fought numerous world-class fighters, and is the perfect challenge for me,” he told Boxing Scene.