Gesta getting sharper as ESPN battle nears
By Dale G. RosalCebu Daily News
Undefeated Filipino lightweight prospect Mercito ‘No Mercy’ Gesta is getting sharper as he intensifies his training for the August 3 bout in the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada against American Ty Barnett.
That match will be featured on ESPN’s boxing program “Friday Fight Nights.”
In his training camp in Alliance Gym in Chula Vista City California, Gesta spars with amateur stand-out brothers and future prospects Anthony and Esrael Arellano who sport an amateur record of 3-0 and 6-0 respectively. Both are campaigning in the 140lbs division.
The 24-year-old Gesta is expected to be in a difficult fight against Barnett, who is coming off a seventh round stoppage of Robert Daluz last May in Washington, DC.
Gesta for his part last fought in March of this year against Colombian Oscar Cuero whom he beat with an eight-round TKO at the Mandalay Bay and Casino in Las Vegas.
After that fight, Gesta only had two weeks of rest before continuing his training for his bout against Barnett under the supervision of his father Anecito who also serves as his trainer.
The unbeaten Gesta (25W-0L-1D, 13KOs) is now in the list of big name boxers. Proof is the very vocal desire of future hall of famer and Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez to take on the Cebuano fighter.
“Me and Mercito sparred Muay Thai in Alliance Gym and did some mitts and routine training before we moved our training in downtown San Diego in the Undisputed Gym where I pitted him against professionals Emelio Bajorquez (22-2), and Adrian Varges (7-0) who are both 140 lbs. this week,” said Anecito.
IBF TITLE FIGHT IN THE WINGS
According to Anecito, his son has completed one week of six-round sparring against the Arellano brothers and he is in the middle of the eight-round sparring sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday against tougher spar mates. This will be gradually increased to 12 rounds.
“We are training very hard for this fight because we are just one step away from earning the biggest shot of his career. We will do our best to win this,” declared Anecito who also revealed that should Mercito come out victorious on Aug. 3, he will earn a title fight against Miguel Vasquez for the IBF lightweight (135lbs) crown later this year.
“He is getting stronger and his punches are more accurate, I think he is improving everyday during our training,” added Anecito.
Gesta of Labogon, Mandaue City has fought 26 times, winning 25 with 13 of these wins coming by way of knockout. He has one draw.
The 29-year old Barnett parades an equally-impressive 20-2-1 fight record packed with 13KOs.
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