Despite not having fought since July of last year, up and coming prospect Mercito Gesta (16-0-1, 7KO) of San Diego, CA, by way of Cebu, PI, has not sat idly by. As he kept busy in the gym, opportunities arose in sparring assigments against elite fighters at home and in nearby cities.
“Sparring Jorge Linares was a great experience,” Gesta stated regarding his work with the former super featherweight champion last year in Las Vegas, NV. “That showed me I could hang with world champions.”
Recently, the 22-year-old Gestra traded leather with the former interim WBC lightweight champ Antonio DeMarco in the latter’s preparation for his title bid against Edwin Valero.
“He is a top guy and I learned a lot,” Gesta said. “I learned that with these guys you can’t try to knock them out early, you have to be smart.”
After a short stint at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, CA, where he was given the opportunity to spar with featherweight Bernabe Concepcion among others, Gesta is now back in San Diego praparing for his February 25th tilt against tough journeyman Jaime Orrantia (12-26-5, 4KO) at the Four Points Sheraton.
“Sparring is good work before a fight, since you are sparring different people, it makes you adjust to your opponents style,” the fast as lighting Gesta stated. “Since I don’t know much about my next opponent, it is perfect training.”