Cebu’s Gesta loses to Zepeda by 6th rd standing KO

Zepeda bags WBA Continental Americas lightweight belt

William Zepeda (2nd from left) and Mercito Gesta (2nd from right) pose for the camera during the weigh-in for their bout in Commerce, California. | Photo from Golden Boy Boxing

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Unbeaten Mexican prospect William “Camaron” Zepeda was too much for ring veteran Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta in their Mexican Independence Day showdown at the Commerce Casino, Commerce, California on Saturday, September 16, 2023 (September 17, Manila Time). 

Zepeda walked away with the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas lightweight title after he demolished Gesta via a sixth-round standing knockout. 

The 27-year-old Mexican pinned and pounded Gesta against the ropes with relentless combinations. Gesta looked helpless despite throwing counter punches in the middle of the sixth round. 

READ MORE: Gesta, Zepeda make weight, ready to fight for vacant WBA regional title

Gesta’s corner didn’t wait for their boxer to get knocked out cold from Zepeda’s flurry of punches, and decided to step in the ring to stop the bout at 1:31 mark of the sixth round. 

Zepeda No.2 in lightweight division

The victory improved Zepeda’s unbeaten record to 29-0 (win-loss). Of his 29 wins, 25 were by knockouts. He solidified his hold of the No. 2 spot in WBA’s lightweight division. 

Zepeda will likely earn a world title eliminator against fellow Mexican Isaac Cruz which can earn him a world title bout against Gervonta Davis or Devin Haney, who are the current world champions.

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

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Gesta, a native of San Remegio town, north Cebu and currently based in San Diego, California dropped to a 34-3-3 (win-loss-draw) record with 17 knockouts. 

During the bout, Gesta started good, capitalizing on his sharp jabs, while Zepeda tried to inch himself closer to force the Cebuano boxer to a toe-to-toe battle.

In the ensuing rounds, Zepeda, started to launch multiple combinations that forced Gesta pedal backward. 

However, Zepeda successfully pins and corners Gesta numerous times, pounding the latter with fierce combinations.

This kind of scenario continued all the way to the sixth round, leaving Gesta battered from absorbing most of Zepeda’s punches. 

Gesta’s corner had seen too much beating, forcing them to stop the carnage. 

/bmjo

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