Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta fights Jorge Linares in this January 2018 photo of their fight in California. Gesta lost this fight via unanimous decision. / file
ROUGHLY six months after losing in his second world-title bid, San Diego-based Cebuano boxer Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta returns to the ring on June 14 to face American Robert Manzanares for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight title at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, USA.
The 30-year-old Gesta of Medellin, north Cebu lost via unanimous decision to erstwhile WBA world lightweight champion Jorge Linares of Venezuela held at The Forum in Inglewood, California last January 27, 2018.
But Linares lost his belt against Vasul Lomachenko last May 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.
After his loss to Linares, Gesta went back to training under the supervision of his father and trainer, Anecito, and transferred to WildCard Boxing Gym of boxing hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach.
Gesta’s first shot at a world title was in 2012, where he lost to Mexican Miguel Vasquez in Las Vegas by unanimous decision. From then on, the Cebuano took a two-year hiatus and returned to action in 2014.
He currently holds a record of 31 victories (17 by knockouts), two defeats, and two draws.
The 23-year-old Manzanares of Phoenix, Arizona, has a more impressive record of 36 wins (29 knockouts) and one defeat.
The American hasn’t tasted a loss since 2012 and is currently on a 15-fight winning streak.