In this exclusive interview, MyBoxingFans.com caught up with undefeated lightweight prospect Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta as he finished up a work out at the world famous Wild Card Gym. Gesta shared his thoughts on training at the Wild Card, his next fight and his plans for the future.
Mercito Gesta Goes to “War at the Wharf”
From the boxing rich country of the Philippines, this pinoy power punching southpaw with rapid-fire fist, a smile that lights the face his foes attempt to re-arrange and the instincts of an assassin when going in for the kill, makes his anticipated return to the squared circle after getting back from a long awaited vacation to his native land. I know what you may be thinking but this isn’t about the living legend known as Pacman but of possible legend in the making, one Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (20-0-1, 10KOs) of San Diego, CA., by way of Cebu, Philippines.
While the pound-for-pound king and fellow countryman WBO #12 rated lightweight Mercito Gesta have many similarities in their style of fighting, they also have many differences, chief being that everybody and their mother [with the exception of one] wants to step into the ring with Manny and get that Pacman money while nobody is jumping at the opportunity to step in the ropes with the rising sensation “No Mercy” Gesta. Mercito is at that point in his career where he is really starting to make a name for himself but still isn’t recognized by casual fans across the nation and globe. When you compare Mercito’s talent with his name recognition, the two do not jive, Gesta is much more talented than his reputation and you can bet this isn’t lost on his contemporaries. Contenders are apprehensive to fight the Filipino fire cracker because they understand Mercito possesses the speed, power and skill to beat them, fighting Gesta is a big risk and world class pugilist are doing there best to avoid him.
Many fighters go through what the speedy lightweight pinoy is going through now and as long as the wins keep coming it’s only a matter of time before Gesta’s staring a huge opportunity in the face. The sands are running out of the hour glass and top prospects can only be avoided for so long before champions and contenders are obligated to share the opportunity for big pay days and big fights, and this natural known as “No Mercy” will get his chance. Until then Mercito stays on the grind taking on 36-year-old veteran Genaro Trazancos (22-13-1, 13KOs) of Fort Meyers, FL, by way of Mexico, in a rematch this Friday, February 18th, at famous Longshoreman’s Hall near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, CA., billed as “War at the Wharf.”
The eight round lightweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don Chargin Productions and Jorge Marron Productions will be this week’s “Solo Boxeo Tecate” series main event, broadcast on Spanish Language Network’s Telefutura at 8:30pm ET and tape delayed on the West Coast at 11:30pm.
Some detractors say you can’t measure his progress fighting Trazancos again but that isn’t true, there is always room for evaluation. Last time they fought Gesta dressed Genaro down before blasting him into another dimension in the 7th round with a straight left. While it’s likely that Mercito was trying to get rounds under his belt [as some have been critical of Mercito taking seven rounds to finish Trazancos] a swift knockout, brutal beating or some other outcome will surely be able to tell us what kind of progress Mercito has or has not made. It’s an important fight against a man who has the courage to step back in the ring against an opponent that devastated him only a short time ago, that’s more than can be said of a lot of fighters in the game. That kind of confidence shouldn’t be taken lightly and team Gesta is aware of that fact. In a recent interview with Kenneth Ragpala, Mercito’s manager and trainer Vince Parra stated, “Trazancos is game and we must respect him until he’s surrendered.”
“Mercito’s a southpaw and he’s a vicious body puncher. He’s really starting to find his punching power and he’s fun to watch,” said Gesta’s promoter, old school legend Don “War a Week” Chargin in a recent piece with MaxBoxing’s Ryan Maquinana.
This exciting precision striking lightweight [at one time not perceived as a heavy hitter] has been knocking the bejesus out of foe’s lately with lethal combination’s as his body matures and comes into it’s own. After laying waste to Trazancos in their first meeting in October, Gesta ate up tough chinned veteran Ivan Valle in two. Gesta’s style put Valle in a trance, luring him in then countering with a right hook that floored Ivan in the opening three minutes. The dazed Valle was put on the seat of his pants again in the 1st round but stumbled to the 2nd period shook to his core, where his corner threw in the towel after a he was met with a blistering Gesta barrage to open the round.
I spoke with team Gesta today and Mercito had a message for his followers in the surrounding area, “This one is for my fans in the Bay area, get ready for action!”
In the evenings co-feature undefeated prospect Eloy “The Prince” Perez (19-0-2, 5KOs) of Salinas, CA., trades leather with Chino, California’s, Roger “Speedy” Gonzales (27-3, 18KOs), in a scheduled featherweight eight.
February 18th, also marks the anticipated return of San Diego, CA., amateur standout and current featherweight Aaron “El Gavilan” Garcia (9-1-2, 2KOs) as he locks horns with Ramon Flores (3-10-2, 2KOs) of Wilmington, CA., by way of Mexico, in six rounds of featherweight action.
Also making appearances on the card are San Francisco, CA., welterweight Karim Mayfield (13-0-1, 8KOs), Salinas, CA., welterweight Adolfo Gonzales (1-0) and local fighter lightweight Joe Gumina making his debut against Ryan Davis, also making his debut.
23-year-old Gesta is on the quest to cement his status as one of his countries superstars. Showing pride in his homeland and the competitive spirit, Mercito donned the “three stars and sun” national emblem emblazoned on the side of his freshly shaven head in his last battle, and sports a tribal tattoo covering his right shoulder and chest signifying the warrior way.
If you can’t be there live to take in the action be sure to tune in or set your DVR’s to Telefutura at 8:30pm ET / 11:30pm PT, to see the furious two-fisted attack of Mandaue City’s Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta.