Alberto Mercado was a Jr. Featherweight boxer who was on the verge of fighting for a world title at least twice in his career. Mercado was one of only three American citizens who challenged the boycott of the 1980 Olympics celebrated in Moscow, Russia, competing in boxing for Puerto Rico after having won the gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games. The other two were also representants from Puerto Rico and boxers: Luis Pizarro and Jos� Angel Molina. In the professional ranks Mercado had a winning record, but also had some bad luck. He lost to John Montes in a United States title try on points, and on a fight to decide the IBF's #1 challenger, he lost by a knockout in 7 rounds to eventual world champion Antonio Rivera, after leading the fight on all scorecards at the end of round 6. Mercado worked as a fireman in Dade County, Florida for many years. He is a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, who used to train at the famous Bairoa Gym, but he resided in Cayey during his years as a top boxing contender. He had a professional record of 31 wins, 14 losses and 1 draw, with 27 wins by knockout. [More at Wikipedia]

January 2nd, 1961 in (Age 63)