Cebu’s Mercito Gesta embraces ‘underdog’ tag in fight vs Mexican William Zepeda

William Zepeda (left) and Mercito Gesta (right) stare at each other during their pre-fight presser in Commerce, California. Joining them are Golden Boy Promotions top brass Oscar Dela Hoya (left) and Bernard Hopkins (right). | Photo from Golden Boy Boxing’s Facebook page

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuano lightweight veteran Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta has embraced the role of an underdog anew as he faces undefeated Mexican prospect William “Camaron” Zepeda on Mexican Independence Day, September 16, (September 17, Manila Time) at the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce, California in the United States. 

Gesta and Zepeda will headline Oscar Dela Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions fight card which features seven undercard bouts. 

ALSO READ: Cebu’s Gesta to face ‘dangerous’ Mexican foe in LA fight on Sept. 16

Both boxers faced each other for the first time during the pre-fight press conference that was held at the at the venue of their fight on Thursday, September 14, (Friday, September 15 Manila Time). 

Gesta has fought two Latino prospects in 2022 and in March 2023 in the United States and won both bouts by decision. 

This time, he is a clear underdog against Zepeda, who has 28 wins with 24 knockouts. Zepeda is also currently ranked No. 2 in the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight division and ranked in the Top 10 in the three other boxing bodies. 

“I like the feeling of being the underdog. There’s no pressure on me. Of course, I need to show my skill, but there’s no pressure being an underdog, I always just want to go in the ring and showcase my style and give all in the ring,” said the 35-year-old Gesta of San Remegio, Cebu. 

“I’m so excited because I’m facing William Zepeda, undefeated, who has a high knockout percentage. For me, as a fighter, that always excites me. I always want to test my ability and show my skill, this is happening and I’m very blessed. Zepeda is an up-and-coming fighter, he’s in my weight division. This opportunity is really hard to miss. Now that they gave it to me, so why not?”

ALSO READ: Gesta says he has learned a lot since 2012 loss

Meanwhile, Zepeda has expressed his gratitude to Golden Boy Promotions for giving him the opportunity to test his mettle against a veteran like Gesta. 

“It’s an honor for me to be headlining such an important date on September 16, for all Mexicans. I also want to thank Mercito Gesta for giving me the opportunity, I know it’s going to be a great fight. We’re both here who wants to give a great, great fight,” said Zepeda. 

“Like I always say, there’s never a side B in boxing. I’m always extremely motivated for this fight. I wanna show everyone who Camaron is and I know it’s going to be a war,” he added. / dcb