Mercado, rated No. 9 by The Ring at junior featherweight, has been a professional since November 2014 and while he hasn't lost since his second fight, it's taken until now to make real inroads into the division.

On Sunday, Mercado will face Ryosuke Nishida, who is moving up from bantamweight, in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator, at the Sumiyoshi SportsCenter, Osaka, Japan.

"I'm motivated; it's a great opportunity against a former world champion," Mercado (32-1, 26 KOs) told The Ring. "It will be difficult because he's a southpaw, but I'm inspired to deliver a memorable fight."

The 30-year-old Mexican is very respectful of his opponent but sees some openings that he feels he can exploit.

"He's a very good fighter, he was a world champion for a reason," he said. "He's fast and I have to be very careful; it will be a great fight on Sunday.

"His speed is great, he has a very explosive jab, I've noticed he always keeps his guard closed but when he attacks, he opens his arms and becomes unprotected."

Mercado has trained at Ocotal Park, which is 2,900 meters above sea level in Mexico City, under his father's tutelage.

He feels the altitude has allowed him to enjoy a successful camp and is prepared to take to the road and emerge victorious.

"This is the experience I was looking for, going to Japan for an important fight," he said, having spent his entire professional career in Mexico.

"I'm happy for this great opportunity, as I had already gone there to training camp, but an final eliminator is more motivating, and it's the dream I've fought for so many years [to get.]"

Should the Mexican beat Nishida, he will be close to securing a world title opportunity, though will have to wait for the outcome of the big all-Japanese fight between The Ring and undisputed 122-pound champion Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani, in May.

"Naoya is going to beat Nakatani, I have no doubt," he said. "I'd like to take the opportunity, prepare for a championship fight knowing I'm fighting away from home, but wherever we must fight, we'll fight."

Mercado's promoter, Oswaldo Kuchle of Latin KO, recognizes it will be a tough test for his fighter but one that he can come through and make a name for himself.

"Bryan is a fighter with an impressive punch, who is on par with the best in the world in terms of competitive level and has a great opportunity to show it in Japan; where he faces a tough opponent, who was already a world champion but we have confidence in his skills because he has the capacity to win by knockout or by points and demonstrate that he is made to become an idol," said Kuchle.

Nishida (10-1, 2 KOs) turned professional in 2019 and in just his third outing, scored an eight-round points win over former world title challenger Shohei Omari. He followed that by dominating former WBC flyweight titlist Daigo Higa to the tune of wide scorecards over 12 rounds.

A wrist injury in his next fight saw him spend an extended period on the sidelines. After recovering, he continued his ascent by besting future WBO 118-pound boss Christian Medina (UD 12) in IBF eliminator. He followed that by unseating IBF ruler Emmanuel Rodriguez (UD 12). He made one defense against Anuchai Donsua (KO 7) before losing his title in a unification with Nakatani (RTD 6).