William Zepeda (left) and Mercito Gesta (right) pose for the cameras during the weigh-in for their 12-rounder WBA WBA Continental Americas lightweight title. | Screen grab from Golden Boy Boxing’s video
CEBU CITY, Philippines — It’s all systems go for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas lightweight title showdown between Cebuano Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta and undefeated Mexican William “Camaron” Zepeda on Saturday, September 16 (September 17, Manila Time) at the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce, California in the United States.
Both boxers passed the mandatory weigh-in on Friday, September 15 (Sept. 16, Manila Time) at the same venue.
Gesta, who first stepped on the weighing scales, weighed in at 134.2 pounds, while Zepeda weighed in at 134.2 lbs for their 12-rounder bout for the vacant WBA regional title.
In a post-weigh-in interview, Gesta said that he has nothing to lose in their fight, thus he isn’t worried coming in as the underdog in the main event bout promoted by Golden Boy Boxing.
“I kinda like it because it took a lot of pressure off from me. I just want to show everyone in the ring, I don’t care if I’m the underdog or on top. The real deal here is the fight,” said Gesta.
The 34-year-old Gesta, a native of San Remegio town in northern Cebu who is now based in San Diego, California, has a record of 34 wins with three defeats and three draws.
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Gesta, a former world title challenger also has 17 knockouts in his resume.
For Gesta, he didn’t think twice in accepting the offer to fight Zepeda as it was the only way for him to show everyone that he can fight the best in his weight division.
“Obviously, Zepeda is an up-and-coming fighter, he’s a good fighter and strong. That supposed to be boxing, whoever is the best in your weight division face them, to know if you’re good enough,” said Gesta.
Gesta has back-to-back wins from 2022 to the early part of 2023 against other up-and-coming Latino-American boxers, but Zepeda was an opponent in a completely whole different level.
The 27-year-old Mexican is currently ranked No. 2 in the WBA lightweight division and is ranked within the Top 10 in the three other boxing bodies.
He was unbeaten in 28 wins with a spectacular 24 knockout record. Zepeda vowed that he will emerge victorious with the WBA Continental Americas lightweight belt wrapped around his waist.
“Mercito (Gesta) is a great warrior. I prepared myself well with my team. I will leave everything in the ring on Mexican Independence Day,” said Zepeda. / dcb
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