Former world title challenger Mercito Gesta (30-1-2, 16KO) survived an early knockdown to defeat Gilberto Gonzalez (26-4), Sunday morning (Philippine time) in the at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The lightweight southpaw from Mandaue City, Cebu started out well early into the fight, landing well-timed counter shots opposite the Mexican. From there, he was able to follow it up with some combinations in the second round which bloodied the game Gonzalez.
The 29-year-old Mexican’s aggressiveness paid off in the third round, catching Gesta in one of their exchanges as he landed a strong left uppercut that dropped Gesta to the canvas. “No Mercy” was able to regain his bearings and was able get back with his offense.
Gesta, who is fighting under Golden Boy Promotions, continued to outwork Gonzalez in the succeeding rounds despite the latter’s efforts for another knockdown.
His efforts were rewarded as all the judges saw it in Gesta’s favor, 99-91, 98-92, 96-93.
The victory gave Gesta his 30th career win in 33 fights, his fourth since yielding to Miguel Vasquez for the IBF world Lightweight belt. Gonzalez, on the other hand, saw his eight-fight win streak come to an end.
Photo courtesy from: Mercito Gesta/Golden Boy Boxing Promotions
