GESTA, PORRAS DEFEAT FOES
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 18 Dec 2005
KIDAPAWAN CITY--Mercito "Guerrero" Gesta proved his true worth, as he bludgeoned veteran Leo Escobido into submission in the seventh round of their scheduled 10-round fight in the co-main event of the "Thunder in December" card at the jampacked Kidapawan City Gym last Friday.
In the main event, fast-starting Glenn Porras took the Philippine Boxing Federation bantam title with a unanimous decision verdict over Baguio City-based Edgar Gabejan.
Mercito "Guerrero" Gesta dishes out a jab and snipings all night against the befudlled Leo Escobido.
The 18-year-old Gesta, unbeaten in 11 fights with only one draw, dished out a fine boxing performance, easily outboxing Escobido in every round before the referee called a halt to the bout at the end of the seventh frame.
The Labogon, Mandaue native, who is now promoted by North Cotabato Gove rnor Emmanuel Pinol, swept all rounds using his bread-and-butter left straight, staggering the hapless Escobido several times in the entire fight.
Gesta claims victory after the referee stopped the fight in the 7th round.
Gesta was being interviewed by INQ7's Recah Trinidad.
"I could have disposed of him early, but I almost ran out of gas as I could not train five days before this bout due to an injury," said Gesta, an undefeated Muay Thai practitioner before he turned pro.
Porras, the 20-year-old unbeaten upstart from Mlang, took off like a house on fire, but Gabejan made a fine rally in the late rounds. However, it was too little too late for Gabejan as the judges saw it 98-94, 98-92, 96-94 all for Porras.
Glen Porras squares off with Edgar Gabejan.
Porras was surrounded by his supporters as he was being interviewed by Recah Trinidad.
Tommy Terado, meanwhile, took a hard-earned unanimous decision over tough-as-nails Fabio Marfa to keep his unbeaten slate, while Rex Penalosa proved superior against Jerry Manganip in a unanimous decision win.
Inquirer's Recah Trinidad (right) and birthday celebrant North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pi?ol anchors the evening's boxing event.
Part of the standing room only crowd at the Kidapawan Sports Gym.
Other results: Edren Dapudong won by unanimous decision over Frederick Salde; Rey Migre?o stopped Roel Honor in the third; Daniel Solis topped Javier Malulan by majority technical decision; Dennie Juntillano edged out Edmund Velayo by unanimous decision; Jundy Maraon stopped Edmer Calawanon in the second round; Alvin Mundala halted Mel Grumo in fourth; while Jessie Albaracin took out Jojo Adlawan in fourth.
All photos by Dong Secuya / PhilBoxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
Sun, 29 Jun 2025USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Sun, 29 Jun 2025Alekhine Nouri bags silver in blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Paul vs. Chavez Jr: Can Julio Derail Jake Paul?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Dr. KO: Christian Mbilli Stops Maciej Sulecki in 1
Sat, 28 Jun 2025GOLDEN BOY SIGNS UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT AMARI JONES
Sat, 28 Jun 2025Paul vs. Chávez Jr. is a Go: All Fighters Make Weight in Anaheim Ahead of High-Stakes Bout
Sat, 28 Jun 2025IIEE Chessmasters Overall Champion in the International Bundesliga with GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Jun 2025