Mercado (18-0, 17 KOs), who parted ways with Matchroom Boxing earlier this year, said the move is designed to keep him active as he continues pursuing a world title opportunity at 140 pounds.

“I’m itching to get back and hungry to get in the ring again, having a homecoming fight,” Mercado told BoxingScene.

“We’re ready to fight the best guys now. It’s one step at a time. I’ll be busy, and we have big plans coming forward.”

Ranked #5 by the WBO and #8 by the IBF, Mercado has emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders thanks to his 17 knockouts in 18 victories. His last fight came in December when he stopped veteran Antonio Moran in six rounds.

Mercado has spent recent months calling for bigger fights, including potential clashes with Shakur Stevenson and WBO contender Emiliano Vargas.

His father and trainer, Ernesto Mercado Sr., said the decision to sign with a Southern California-based promoter was made with activity and flexibility in mind.

“We want to be homegrown, not a road warrior jumping around like a Ping-Pong ball,” Mercado Sr. said.

The elder Mercado added that the arrangement allows the team to fight locally while remaining open to working with larger promotional companies as bigger opportunities become available.

Mercado’s opponent for June 19 has not yet been announced, but the card will also feature the professional debut of his brother, Daniel Mercado.