MERCITO “No Mercy” Gesta of Labogon, Mandaue City is being lined up to face IBF lightweight champion Miguel “Titere” Vazquez of Mexico in the undercard of the fourth fight between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and his Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 8.
If negotiations for this fight go smoothly and it pushes through as planned, this would not only be the biggest break for the 25 year-old Gesta’s career but the realization of his dream to fight for a world title.
The undefeated Cebuano southpaw turned pro in 2003 and has fought in the United Sates since 2007. In his last fight, Gesta (26W-0L-1D, 14 KOs) stopped American Ty Barnett last August in nine rounds at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.
The 25 year-old Vasquez (32W-3L, 13 KOs) defended his title for the fourth time last October 27 by split 12-round decision over fellow Mexican Marvin Quintero in New York.
He won the IBF lightweight title in August 14, 2010 by beating South Korean Ji-Hoon Kim by unanimous decision. Vaquez has lost to high quality fighters Saul Alvarez and Timothy Bradley who are now reigning world champions. He also has a three inch height advantage over Gesta.
Gesta is currently training in his home base in San Diego, California under the watchful eye of his father/coach Mercito Sr. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr