The GESTA'S: A FATHER AND SON STORY
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Apr 2012
Anecito Gesta was a picture of frustration, the last time his son fought in the ring. The frustration was not only from him not being able to be at his son's corner but also because he can't seem to watch his bout in a timely manner in his hometown in Mandaue City. With schedule changes on a local network frustrating him to no end, the older Gesta resorted to the internet to get updates about his son's bout against Ricardo Dominguez last November.
This time around, it will be different. Not only will he be witnessing his son at ringside as Mercito Gesta battles Colombian, Oscar Cuero tonight at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. He will also be able to personally give support to his son and shout out needed instructions in the scheduled 10 round lightweight bout.
The older Gesta arrived for the first time in the U.S. late January with his son and has been a permanent fixture of his camp ever since. Not that it's something new to him. He was Mercito's first coach not only in boxing but in Muay-Thai and arnis, two disciplines Aniceto has been deeply involved with.
" Talagang masaya ako ngayon at kasama na ako sa training niya." ( I'm really happy now that I am with him in his training camp.) said Anecito. " Kasi noon, nag-aalala ako palagi kung ano ang ginagawa niya sa training kung wala ako." (Before, I worry a lot and wonder what he does in camp without me.) Aniceto is overjoyed to be at his son's side both in camp and during his fight tonight as they take on little known Cuero who looks tougher than what his 15-7 record says.
Aniceto played a vital role in his son's latest camp. He worked hand in hand with trainer/manager Vince Parra in emphasizing the importance of stamina and conditioning. They both motivated Mercito to train hard for the last 8 weeks , this despite not knowing who their opponent is early. " Sabi nga nila, si Steve yung cutman niya at ni Vince, ngayon lang daw nila nakita si Mercito na makapag-training ng ganito ka-hard." ( His cut man Steve and Vince said that they have never seen Mercito trained this hard.) Aniceto narrated to me.
The former Muay Thai fighter is confident his son will be victorious tonight in Las Vegas. But he cautioned Mercito to be wary of Cuero's power. "Nakikita ko sa style ng kalaban niya, kung sa puntos lang, talagang sigurado na si Mercito. Pero dahil me lakas yun, dapat di siya magkumpiyansa. "( As i see his opponent's style , if only on points, I am sure that Mercito is a sure winner. But he should not be over-confident because Cuero has power.) said Aniceto.
He opined that the fight might not go beyond 5 or 6 rounds and predicted a technical KO win or a knockout for his son.
The young Gesta is grateful that his dad is with him during this camp. "Malaking tulong, kasi sa kanya ako nag-umpisa noon" ( He's a big help, because it's with him that I started.) saidthe unbeaten boxer. " He gave me a lot of techniques. He pushed me into training hard. It was great for me to have him in camp." he added.
It was hard at first for the elder Gesta to adjust to life in the US but his desire to be of help to his son made it easier for him to adjust. " Noong bago pa, medyo malungkot konti pero sa ngayon komportable na ako." ( I was lonely at first but now I am comfortable here.) said Aniceto. " Masaya na ako dito, lalo na at kapiling ko ang anak ko. Iniisip ko rin na talagang kailangan niya ako dito habang nag-bo-boxing pa siya." ( I am now happy to be here especially being with my son. I think that he needs me here while he is still boxing.)
Boxing is a father and son sport. It is one that a dad passes to his son either as a fan or an athlete. The Gesta's are an example of how a father and son is brought closer by this sport and the bond that forms in it.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com for any reactions to this piece.
Photo: (L-R) Philboxing's Rene Bonsubre, Mercito Gesta, Gesta's father Aniceto and mother Mercedes.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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