11-11-11 BRINGS FORTUNE TO MERCITO GESTA IN LAS VEGAS
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 12 Nov 2011
Las Vegas, Nevada - Mercito "No Mercy" Gesta came out awkwardly from the dugout during his ring entrance as his opponent's Mexican themed song was played lengthily confusing Gesta and everyone in the crowd. But as the Philippine flag waved behind him and everyone noticed that it was Gesta's time to fight, cheers from a good amount of Filipino fans erupted in the almost full Islander Ballroom of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. That proved to be the only awkward moment of the night from the boxer out of Mandaue City as he carved out a dominant 10 round Unanimous Decision Victory against a taller and bigger opponent in Ricardo Dominguez 34-6-2 (21 KOs) of Culiacan, Mexico.
Gesta 23-0-1 (12 KOs) was aggressive from the get go as he dominated a taller opponent who was caught early with overhand rights and left hooks from the undefeated Filipino fighter in the opening round. The surprised Dominguez was placed in a defensive mode early as Gesta would dart in and out of him while landing accurate punches in the process. Gesta scored big in the 3rd round as a big left and right hook combo nailed Dominguez, throwing the Mexican across the ring from the force of the punches. Referee Joe Cortez gave Dominguez the 8 count as Dominguez protested that it was a slip. But Cortez gave him no mind and continued his count. Dominguez fought back after the knockdown surprising Gesta with a hard right which Gesta took well. He egged Dominguez to hit him more after that shot. Gesta retaliated with fast combinations on his foe which drew cheers from the crowd.
Dominguez began being active in the 4th as he uses his long reach in backing Gesta to the ropes. Gesta was patient as he waited for his chance to counter Dominguez using uppercuts and right hooks, most of it landed cleanly on Dominguez. That halted Dominguez's attempt of aggression. They exchanged in the end of the round where Dominguez falls but this time referee Joe Cortez ruled it as a slip. Dominguez's best round came in the 6th as his left hand found its way on Gesta's head. His jabs were also effective in thwarting the Filipino's advances, enabling him to fight Gesta from a distance. That frustrated Gesta who slowed down on his assault because of that.
Gesta went back to attack mode in the 8th assaulting Dominguez right after the break. He went firing with right hooks and uppercuts that stunned Dominguez. Gesta unloaded from all angles almost knocking Dominguez down in the round. The Mexican withstood the assault and managed to finish the round on his feet. Gesta finished the last two rounds strong. A right uppercut landed squarely yet again on Dominguez, stopping his intent to exchange with Gesta. Then the undefeated Cebuano unloaded fast and multiple combinations on Dominguez in the 10th and final round eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Mercito Gesta earned improved his unbeaten record to 24 in his debut in Sin City on the eve of Pacquiao - Marquez III. It was a commanding performance seeing him in control from the opening to the final bell. It was a much better performance from his previous fight in Arizona in September where he was describe as tentative and vulnerable. The three judges at ringside gave him scores of 99-91, 97-92, 98-92.Tonight, Gesta silenced his critics by his imposing performance against a taller, bigger and more experienced fighter. It also brings him closer to his dream of a world title shot in the near future in the lightweight division. Yes today at the peculiar date of 11-11-11, fortune smiled at Mercito Gesta in Vegas.
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