UNDEFEATED GESTA READY TO BREAK INTO WORLD RANKINGS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 28 May 2010
Undefeated Filipino lightweight Mercito ?No Mercy? Gesta is determined to break into the world rankings when he battles Mexico?s hard-punching Oscar ? Estudiante? Meza at the Micosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Miami, Florida on June 4 for the .vacant WBO North American Boxing Organization title.
The fight marks the TV debut of Gesta in a fight to be televised in the United States by Telemundo.
Gesta was quoted as saying that it was a fight he was ?hoping for although the championship is small. This is the beginning towards a world title and I am happy for the opportunity.?
A 22 year old southpaw from Cebu who has made a home in San Diego, Gesta has a record of 17-0-1 with 7 knockouts. His co-manager Vince Parra told us he likes the match-up pointing out that Meza is ?a tough, hard puncher but Mercito?s hand-speed and superior defense and boxing ability will offset Meza?s power.?
Parra said ?it?s a breakout fight for Mercito and he as well as his team are excited for this opportunity? although they will miss coach Carl Penalosa who won?t be in Gesta?s corner because of visa problems.
Aside from Parra, Gesta?s longtime cut-man and friend Stephen Luna will work the corner. Parra said the Filipino?s training camp has been ?excellent with good sparring from top pros at Freddie Roach?s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles last April as well as good work with junior welterweight prospect Antonio Orozco" who has an unbeaten record of 6-0 with 5 knockouts, in San Diego.
Parra told us Gesta is ?excited because a win gets him into a top 12 rating in the WBO.? He knows the fight means much for Gesta even as he was quoted as saying Gesta is ?very motivated and ready to dominate.?
Gesta is coming off an impressive eight round unanimous decision over the experienced Cristian Favela last February 25 in a rematch after having won their first encounter in a shutout in 2008.
The Filipino also scored a big 1st round TKO over promising Alain Hernandez on May 21, 2009 and followed this up with a 3rd round TKO over Devarise Crayton on July 10, 2009.
But Meza cannot be taken lightly as he has an impressive 5th round TKO over Jorge Urias last November 13 after scoring a majority decision over touted Jorge Paez Jr on September 27, 2008. However, he suffered a 5th round TKO to undefeated Brandon Rios in a slugfest on May 16, 2009.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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