BREAKING: VAZQUEZ VS. GESTA TO PRELUDE PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ IV ON DECEMBER 8!
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 31 Oct 2012
GESTA TO TRAIN IN BIG BEAR AND SET TO SPAR WITH MIGUEL COTTO.
It looks like Manny Pacquiao will have a fellow Filipino fighter as a co-headliner for his fourth fight with rival Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 8th.
Sources has informed this Philboxing writer that undefeated lightweight Mercito Gesta will battle IBF champ Miguel Vasquez of Mexico for his belt in the prelude to Pacquiao-Marquez IV.
"It's almost a hundred percent already," the source told me who requested anonymity as final details of the contract is being ironed out by both camps.
"We got Vazquez, Top Rank confirmed it last night," said the source who has knowledge of the talks.
"Mercito is so excited, this is the break that he has been waiting for," added the insider.
Gesta who boasts of a stellar 26-0-1 record, with 14 of those wins by knockout has long been desiring a shot at the 135 pound title. Vazquez has always been the guy they wanted and the Cebuano had his eyes on him for awhile now.
Vazquez is fresh from a close Split Decision win over top rated challenger, Marvin Quintero last Saturday in New York. He outlasted and outscored the tough Quintero in 12 rounds to score the win and successfully defend his belt.
The fight between Vazquez and Gesta will add color to the rivalry between the Philippines and Mexico which is the planned theme by Top Rank for that night.
The source also informed me that Team Gesta will be training in the mountains of Big Bear for this fight and will leave San Diego by Thursday.
And my source spieled another juicy info before we ended our conversation, "FYI, Miguel Cotto is in Big Bear too. His team asked for Mercito to spar with him in preparation versus Austin Trout."
It looks like it is going to be a big and busy month for the fighter out of Mandaue City and San Diego.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com for any reaction to this piece.
Gesta (R) on the mitts with manager/trainer Vince Parra. Photo by Aris Duenas.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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