Event Overview
The super bantamweight showdown between Ryosuke Nishida and Bryan Mercado Vazquez headlines the “You Will Be The Champion 27” card on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Sumiyoshi SportsCenter in Osaka, Japan. This multi-purpose arena in Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Ward has a capacity of about 2,000 and regularly hosts regional boxing events, offering a lively, hometown atmosphere for Nishida. The bout is an IBF super bantamweight title eliminator, contested over 12 rounds at the 122 lbs limit, positioning the winner for a shot at the IBF belt. It’s Nishida’s debut at super bantamweight after vacating his IBF bantamweight title following a loss in 2025.
The fighters are expected to ringwalk around 11:00 AM UTC (6:00 AM ET, 3:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM GMT, 8:00 PM JST local time), though this could shift based on undercard progression. The event will be streamed in Japan via ABEMA and potentially available internationally on platforms like ESPN+ or YouTube for select regions. This marks a bold step-up for Mercado Vazquez, fighting abroad for the first time against a former world champion.
Injury Report
No injuries or health concerns have been reported for either fighter. Nishida, who suffered a stoppage loss in June 2025, has had eight months to recover and adjust to the new weight class, with no issues noted in training camp. Mercado Vazquez, at 30, maintains a rigorous schedule without publicized setbacks, and pre-fight medicals confirm both are cleared and in peak condition. Camps have emphasized full fitness, with no withdrawals or delays announced.
Fighter Matchups and Analysis
This is an intriguing southpaw-vs-orthodox clash at super bantamweight, featuring Nishida’s technical boxing and counterpunching against Mercado Vazquez’s aggressive power and volume. Both weigh in at 122 lbs, with Nishida at 5’7″ (68″ reach) and Mercado Vazquez at an estimated similar height but potentially longer reach (unconfirmed, but his style suggests he uses distance well). The fight could turn into a chess match early, with Nishida looking to outbox and Mercado Vazquez pressing for a brawl. No prior meetings or shared opponents exist, adding unpredictability to this IBF eliminator.
- Ryosuke Nishida (10-1-0, 2 KOs)
- Background and Style: The 29-year-old southpaw from Nara, Japan (residing in Osaka), fights out of Muto Boxing Gym. A former IBF bantamweight champion, Nishida is a skilled technician with excellent footwork, defense, and ring IQ. His low KO rate (20%) reflects a decision-oriented style, relying on volume and precision rather than raw power. He’s moving up after outgrowing bantamweight, aiming to recapture title glory.
- Recent Form: Nishida is coming off his first loss but showed resilience. Last out: RTD 6 loss to Junto Nakatani (June 8, 2025) in a unification bout, where he was competitive early but overwhelmed late (Equibase-like speed figures around 85-90). Before that: TKO 7 win over Anuchai Donsua (Dec. 15, 2024), retaining his IBF title; UD 12 over Emmanuel Rodriguez (May 4, 2024), winning the vacant IBF belt. His last five: L-W-W-W-W. He’s gone the distance in 80% of wins, averaging 9.8 rounds lately, with improved stamina post-loss.
- Fight History Highlights: Debuting in 2019 after a brief amateur stint, Nishida quickly rose with points wins over domestic foes like Sakol Ketkul and Mikito Nakano. He captured the IBF bantamweight title in 2024 via UD over Rodriguez, defending once before the Nakatani setback. With 98 pro rounds, he’s faced top competition but lacks KO power against elites. This is his first at 122 lbs, a calculated move to exploit his technical edge.
- Strengths/Weaknesses: Elite boxing skills, high volume (averages 60-70 punches/round), and strong chin (only stopped once). However, low power could be exposed against Mercado Vazquez’s aggression, and the weight jump might affect speed early.
- Bryan “El Chillón Destructor” Mercado Vazquez (32-1-0, 26 KOs)
- Background and Style: The 30-year-old orthodox puncher from Mexico City, Mexico, is a high-volume knockout artist with a 81% KO rate. Known for his destructive power and relentless pressure, Mercado Vazquez uses his jab to set up combinations, often overwhelming opponents in mid-to-late rounds. This is his international debut, a massive opportunity against a former champ.
- Recent Form: Mercado Vazquez is on a hot streak, unbeaten in his last 20 (one loss early in career). Last out: TKO 8 over Florentino Perez Hernandez (Nov. 8, 2025), showcasing power. Before: TKO 4 over Victor de Jesus Albino (Sept. 23, 2025); KO 1 over Mzuvukile Magwaca (Oct. 20, 2024). His last five: W-W-W-W-W. He averages 3.75 rounds per fight recently, with 11 of 12 wins by stoppage since 2022.
- Fight History Highlights: Debuting in 2014, Mercado Vazquez built a 32-1 record over 124 rounds, primarily in Mexico. Key wins include TKO over Ruben Antonio Tostado Garcia (2022, won WBC FECARBOX title) and KO over Ckari Cani Mansilla (Feb. 23, 2024). His sole loss was a UD in 2016 early on. He’s dominated regional foes but lacks big-name experience, making this a career-defining test abroad.
- Strengths/Weaknesses: Devastating power (26 KOs), durable chin (never stopped), and high KO rate in extended fights. However, his one-dimensional aggression could be countered by Nishida’s movement, and jet lag/travel might factor in his first overseas bout.
FIGHT ODDS
Ryosuke Nishida – 325
Bryan Mercado Vazquez + 200
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 14, 2026
