Michael Merz

Michael Merz (born Michael Anthony Merz on January 16, 1979) is an American former boxer. 

Merz was never defeated his entire boxing career and officially retired from boxing in 2010 after compiling a professional record of 33 (30 KO) wins and 0 losses. He won five Titles in the Junior Lightweight/Super Featherweight Division.

Merz amateur career included 67 wins, 20 by knockout, with no losses. In 1996, he won the National Golden Gloves title in the Lightweight division. In 1997, at the age of 18, he won the National Golden Gloves title in the Junior Lightweight division. He won two other Regional titles in two different weight classes, and a National Title in the Junior Lightweight division. He would make his professional debut on September 9, 1997.

Super Featherweight

On September 9, 1997, Merz defeated Jerry Cooper by scoring a first-round KO victory. In his fifteenth professional fight, he defeated 1996 Silver Medalist Angel Fuentes (21-0-1), scoring a first-round KO victory. After seventeen consecutive knock-out victories in the Junior Lightweight/Super Featherweight division, Merz moved up to fight at Super Lightweight. He returned to the Super Featherweight division on April 20, 2002, and defeated Guillermo Espadas (24-3-1) for the IBA Junior Lightweight title. In his first title defense he faced undefeated Darrell Cotley (19-0-0) Merz scored an eight-round KO victory and retained his title.

Merz vs Castaneda

On January 3, 2003, Merz defeated IBF Super Featherweight champion Juan Castaneda (39-1-0). Merz knocked Castaneda down three times before the fight was declared a KO victory in the fourth round.

Merz vs Armanda

On July 16, 2003, Merz (24-0-0) defeated newly crowned WBC Super Featherweight champion Fernando Armanda (32-0-2). The fight took place in Mexico City, Mexico, on the "Julio César Chávez Mega Card" at the Azteca Arena. Over 80,000 spectators attended the Super Fight Card, and this unification bout was one of the featured fights. Merz knocked Armanda down in the eighth round; Armanda recovered and knocked Merz down in the same round. Merz took control of the fight in the ninth round and scored the KO victory in the tenth round. A rematch was scheduled for 2004 but fell through when Merz was injured during a brief training camp.

Merz vs Cuellar

On December 31, 2005, Merz defeated the interim IBO Junior Lightweight Champion Julian Cuellar (23-1-0) via second-round KO. Merz vacated his title and announced his retirement the same night of the fight. Merz's retirement ended in 2007.

Merz vs Sanchez

On March 4, 2007, Merz returned to the ring and defeated Augustine Sanchez (31-4-1) via fifth-round KO. To most reports, Merz appeared sluggish and not prepared for the fight. He stated when interviewed after a bout, Merz said, "I struggled making weight for this one, No excuses, but that fact and my apparent ring rust, I am really surprised I made it one round, let alone five!" He complimented Sanchez and thanked him repeatedly for the match. This would be Merz's last fight at the Super Featherweight/Junior Lightweight division.

Super-Welterweight

Merz vs Guadaramma

On May 2, 2009, Merz made his 154 lb debut and faced Isidro Guadaramma (31-0-1). Merz defeated Guadaramma via KO in the first round. Merz appeared more focused and his overall performance was cited as one of the best of his career. Merz stated that he was looking forward to a fight with the Returning Fernando Vargas (24-4-0).

Merz vs Urkal

On November 21, 2009, Merz defeated Oktay Urkal (38-3-0) by TKO in the sixth round. Merz knocked Urkal down four times during the fight, then official R. Jenkins called the fight in the sixth round when Urkal was unable to respond to a standing eight count. Merz was praised by his trainer Joe Rodriguez when Rodriguez stated after the fight that the Vargas fight was now a reality, and he also stated that he had never seen Merz more focused on anything like this.

Merz vs Vargas

On September 18, 2010, Merz defeated Fernando Vargas (26-5-0) by KO in the fourth round. Merz knocked Vargas down early in the first round, (:48) and continued to outbox Vargas as the fight progressed. In the fourth round, Merz knocked Vargas down again. The fight was declared a fourth-round KO when Vargas was unable to answer the ten count. Merz suffered a broken left thumb in the first round of the fight. After the fight at the post-fight meeting it was reported that Merz stated that he, "Was Done!" he also stated that there was nothing left for him in boxing.

His trainer and team all made it clear that they were disappointed with Merz's comments and stated that it was unlike him to act that way and that his behavior was unprofessional.

Major World Titles:

• WBC Super Featherweight Champion (130 lbs)
• IBF Junior Lightweight Champion (130 lbs)

Minor World Titles:

• IBA Junior Lightweight Champion (130 lbs)
• IBO Junior Lightweight Champion (130 lbs)
• USBA Junior Lightweight Champion (130 lbs)