Almendra Yamileth Mercado Duarte is a Mexican professional boxer known as “Yeimi”
Emerging from Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, she made history by balancing a nursing career and elite-level training.
In November 2019, she claimed the WBC super-bantamweight title and successfully defended it multiple times—until a recent unification challenge drew her back into the spotlight.
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Table of Contents
Yamileth Mercado’s Early Life
Yamileth Mercado’s journey from a young girl with a dream to a world champion boxer is a story of dedication, perseverance, and success.1
Her achievements in the ring, coupled with her impact on women’s boxing and her contributions to her community, make her a true champion in every sense of the word.
Yamileth Mercado was born on March 16, 1998, in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico. Growing up in a region known for its rich boxing history, she was inspired by the sport from an early age.
Her determination and passion for boxing were evident as she spent countless hours training and honing her skills. Mercado’s early exposure to the sport set the foundation for her promising career.
Gracias CHAMP🤭 https://t.co/ANYWTvWpQj
— Yamileth Mercado (@YeimiMercado16) November 2, 2022
Background
Yamileth Mercado made her professional debut in the boxing ring on August 19, 2016. At just 18 years old, she showcased her talent and determination, quickly making a name for herself in the world of women’s boxing.
Her debut fight was a testament to her hard work and dedication, and it marked the beginning of what would become a successful career in the sport.
As she continues to build on her impressive career, there is no doubt that Yamileth Mercado will leave an enduring legacy in the world of boxing and inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps.
Yamileth Mercado’s Rise to WBC Title & Defenses
Yamileth Mercado, a promising figure in women’s boxing, embarked on her professional journey on July 19, 2014.2
Her debut fight was a testament to her potential as she secured a unanimous decision (UD) victory against Yoatzin Meraz at the Gimnasio Municipal in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico.
Mercado’s early career saw her dominate the ring, culminating in another win against Susana Uribe in December of the same year. These initial victories laid a strong foundation for her burgeoning career.
Building Momentum in 2015
2015 was a year of growth and success for Mercado. She continued to build her reputation with three more wins, demonstrating her skill and determination.
Her performance during this period established her as a formidable competitor in the super bantamweight division.
Mercado’s ability to maintain her winning streak showcased her consistency and dedication to the sport.
Challenging Fights and Learning Curves
In 2016, Mercado faced Diana Gutierrez twice, first securing a third-round TKO in March and later a six-round UD in an August rematch. These victories were crucial in solidifying her standing in the boxing community.
However, her first significant challenge came when she fought Jessica Munoz for the vacant WBC FECOMBOX female super bantamweight title on March 3, 2017.
Despite her efforts, Mercado suffered her first professional defeat via UD over ten rounds. The judges scored the bout 100–90, 99–91, and 98–92 in favor of Munoz, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport.
Bouncing Back and Moving Forward
Resilience is a key trait of any successful athlete, and Mercado proved her mettle by bouncing back with two more wins at the end of 2017.
She secured a UD victory against Milagros Diaz in November and a corner retirement (RTD) win over Juana Felix in December. These wins were crucial for her confidence and career progression.
2018: A Year of Intense Competition
2018 was a year marked by intense competition for Mercado. She competed four times, each bout honing her skills and preparing her for greater challenges.
Her perseverance and hard work paid off as she secured a world title shot against reigning WBC female super bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika.
The bout, held on September 8 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, was a significant milestone in Mercado’s career, despite not securing the title.
2019: Redemption and Triumph
- Mercado’s first fight in 2019 was on February 16 at the Poliforum in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Mexico.
- Her determination to succeed was evident as she defended her title by UD against Karina Fernandez on June 28, with all three judges scoring the bout 97–91 in her favor. This victory was a testament to her growth and strategic prowess in the ring.
- The pinnacle of Mercado’s career came on November 16, 2019, in a rematch against WBC world champion Fatuma Zarika at the Poliforum in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc.
- Mercado’s relentless dedication and refined skills culminated in her capturing the WBC super bantamweight title via UD over ten rounds.
- This victory not only marked a significant achievement in her career but also established her as a world-class athlete in women’s boxing.
What’s Next: Career Crossroads
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Lost unification bout to Ellie Scotney at Madison Square Garden on July 11, 2025.3
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With a pro record of 28 fights (24‑4), she remains a prominent figure in the 122 lb division.
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Her defeat signals a pivotal moment—opening possibilities for rematches, title challenges, or new rivalries in super‑bantamweight.
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Yamileth Mercado: Personal Life
Outside of the boxing ring, Yamileth Mercado leads a relatively private life. She is known to be close to her family and values their support and encouragement.
Mercado also enjoys spending time with friends and engaging in various hobbies and interests. Her dedication to boxing often means she has limited free time, but she makes the most of it by focusing on activities that help her relax and recharge.
Interests
Yamileth Mercado is also passionate about giving back to her community. She understands the importance of using her platform to make a positive impact and often participates in charitable events and initiatives.
Mercado is particularly interested in supporting programs that promote sports and physical activity among young people, as she believes in the power of sports to transform lives and provide opportunities for personal growth and development.
Yamileth Mercado: Net Worth 2025
Net Worth and Financial Status
Yamileth Mercado’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.4
While she has not publicly disclosed her exact earnings, her income primarily comes from her boxing matches, sponsorships, and endorsements. Her annual salary is estimated to be around $80,000.
Despite her success, Yamileth remains humble and focused on her career, constantly striving to improve her skills and achieve greater heights.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
As a successful athlete, Yamileth has garnered several sponsorships and endorsements over the years.
She is associated with prominent brands in the sports industry, which not only provide her with financial support but also enhance her public image.
These partnerships play a crucial role in her overall income, contributing significantly to her net worth.
Yamileth is also involved in various philanthropic activities. She actively supports initiatives that promote sports among underprivileged children in Mexico.
Her goal is to provide these children with the resources and opportunities to pursue their dreams, just as she did.
Yamileth believes in giving back to the community and uses her platform to inspire and empower young athletes.
Yamileth Mercado: Blood Donation
By uploading the following post on Yamileth Mercado’s instagram account, she was asking to donate blood for needy people.
View this post on Instagram
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
- Yamileth’s journey to the top has not been without challenges. She has faced numerous obstacles, including injuries, societal stereotypes, and the pressure of maintaining her performance.
- However, her resilience and determination have helped her overcome these challenges. Yamileth’s story is a testament to the fact that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve their dreams despite the odds.
- Yamileth Mercado has several goals she aims to achieve. She aspires to defend her title and win more championships.
- Additionally, she plans to venture into coaching and mentoring young boxers, sharing her knowledge and experience to help the next generation of athletes.
- Yamileth’s ultimate dream is to leave a lasting legacy in the world of boxing, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
- Yamileth Mercado’s success has had a profound impact on women’s boxing. She has broken barriers and paved the way for other female boxers, proving that women can excel in this sport.
- Yamileth Mercado’s journey is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and triumph. From her humble beginnings in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc to becoming one of the top female boxers in the world, Yamileth has shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
- Her achievements have not only brought her personal success but have also contributed significantly to the advancement of women’s boxing. As she continues to break records and set new benchmarks, Yamileth Mercado remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.
FAQs
Q: What is Yamileth Mercado’s full record?
A: As of July 19, 2025, her record stands at 24 wins (5 by KO) and 4 losses, totaling 28 pro fights.5
Q: Where is she from?
A: She hails from Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, and often trains in her home state.
Q: When did she win her WBC title?
A: She won the WBC female super-bantamweight title on November 16, 2019, defeating Fatuma Zarika.6
Q: Who beat her latest and where?
A: Ellie Scotney defeated her by unanimous decision on July 11, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Q: Does she still hold a world title?
A: No – she lost her WBC belt during the July 2025 unification bout.
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