UNBEATEN GESTA VIES FOR WBC INT'L CROWN IN AFRICA
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 15 Mar 2006
Undefeated prospect Mercito 'Guerrero' Gesta will plunge into a major fight right in his first overseas assignment as he challenges World Boxing Council International featherweight champion Jeffrey Mathebula on March 31 at the famous Wembley Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Mathebula-Gesta showdown is part of the terrific card being put up by South African promoter Branco Milenkovic aptly dubbed as "Parade of Champions," where six African fighters will stake their international titles against fighters from the Philippines, Chile, Russia and France.
Aside from Gesta, two other Cebuanos--Benedict Suico and Gabriel Pumar--are also seing action in the card. Suico challenges WBC International flyweight boss and WBC no. 4 Mhikiza Myekeni, while the unbeaten Pumar goes up against WBC no. 12 Tshepo Lefele for the latter's WBC Int'l minimumweight title.
The 18-year-old Gesta, a southpaw, remains undefeated in 9 fights with 2 KO's, and is considered one of the best all-around prospects from Cebu.
The 26-year-old Mathebula, who will be defending his title for the first time, boasts of a 16-1-2 win-loss-draw record with 8 KO's.
The three young fighters will depart for South Africa via Hongkong on March 25 together with trainer Juanito Ablaca, while boxing impresario Rex "Wakee" Salud follows on March 29.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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