Gesta TKOs Barnett, title battle up next?
WBO NABO Youth lightweight champion Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta sure knows how to let his fists do the talking especially inside the boxing ring.
The undefeated Filipino boxer effectively silenced cocky American Ty Barnett with a resounding ninth round TKO victory yesterday in the main event of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights held at the Texas Station in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gesta of Labogon, Mandaue, knocked-down Barnett twice in the ninth round. First after unloading a three-punch combo with 15 seconds left in the round. He dropped the American again with a second left prompting referee Jay Nady to call it a night for Barnett.
The impressive win improved Gesta’s clean professional record to 26 wins, with one draw and 14 knockouts to further strengthen his bid to fight for a world title belt.
Barnett, who has been openly criticizing Gesta in the run-up to this much anticipated fight, dropped to 20 -3-1. He called the Filipino as an “overrated” fighter.
Gesta clearly dominated Barnett with his power and speed. He connected crushing left straights to Barnett in the first two rounds but the latter showed good defense to last up to the ninth round. / WITH REPORTS FROM RINGMAGAZINE.COM
