GESTA WANTS TO TAKE ON THE BEST
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 14 Dec 2010
Top Filipino lightweight prospect Mercito "No Mercy" Gesta has announced that he wants no less than the best fights available, pointing out that fighting B-level opponents will not take him anywhere in his career, while taking on the best will put him a step closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.
Gesta, in a rare appearance at leading radio show "Pinoy Boxing" on Sunday, informed this writer that he wants such big names as Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Katsidis, Eric Morales, Rocky Juarez, Brandon Rios and even Vicente Escobedo.
"I have been boxing long enough, and I feel that I am ready physically and mentally to take on the best," said the 23-year-old unbeaten lightweight, who was accompanied at the radio show by his father Aniceto and mom Mercedes and some members of the CMAC Gym owned by the family.
Gesta is unbeaten in 21 fights with 10 KO's, and has been on a winning spree in the United States since relocating there starting in 2007. The young fighter is currently vacationing in Cebu to visit his family, but indicates he is starting to miss his girlfriend in California, a Fil-Am girl who hails from Zambales.
The young fighter, who is promoted by Hall of Famer Don Chargin, said that even if he is vacationing here in Cebu, he has continued his training, and should be ready for a possible fight early next year. Trained by Vince Parra, Gesta says he likes his position at this time, and indicated that his manager and team have been supportive of him.
Gesta also revealed for the first time that the reason he wants to fight Katsidis is the fact that they had already sparred once at the Wild Card Gym of trainer Freddie Roach, and knows he can beat the Australia-based fighter.
"I've sparred with Katsidis once, and coach Freddie told me I can beat him, and I know I can beat him," said the self-effacing fighter. When asked if he would be open to having Roach as his trainer, Gesta said it all depends on his team, and that he has very high respect for the multi-awarded Roach.
Gesta also told listeners of the radio show that he has very high regard for his parents, and will always be there for them no matter what. When asked what he has done so far to his ring earnings, Gesta stated he is helping send a brother to nursing school, had their house renovated, and helps out his parents financially.
"I will always be there for my parents. I will always support them because they made me who I am right now," said Gesta, surely a great role model for Filipinos old and young.
When asked if he would settle down soon, Gesta said he used to have a girlfriend in California, but right now, he is happy to have found a Filipina girl who "is different because she really knows how to love and take care of me like a true Filipina" but pointed out marriage is not on his priority list right now.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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