Ukrainian Aram Faniian is set to Face Mexico´s Francisco Mercado for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) world Light Welterweight title on January 20.
Faniian vs. Mercado headlines a card promoted by Top Boxing Generation in association with Sparta Box at the Sport Palace in Kyiv.
From nearby Brovari, 26-year-old Faniian, 23-2 (6), turned pro at only seventeen in 2014, and is a former WBO Oriental and IBO International champion.
In November of 2021 he proved his mettle when he travelled to Germany and defeated local man Timo Schwarzkopf to win the IBO title.
Late replacement Francisco Mercado (25) may not have a glossy record (8-3), but he too has proven his worth in the ring.
In 2021 he decisioned Argentinian contender Fabian Andres Maidana (18-1), the brother of former world champion Marcos Maidana.
Both men mainly relying on their boxing skills, this could be a highly interesting and entertaining match-up. Faniian may be the favourite going in, but Mercado is undoubtedly coming to upset the apple-cart.