Cebu’s Mercito Gesta to fight in California boxing restart

CEBU, Philippines — Barring any glitches, the United States-based Mercito 'No Fear' Gesta ((32-3-3, 17KOs) will become first Cebuano boxer to fight since the lockdown in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The pride of Labogon, Mandaue City, however, must brace for an uphill battle as he is set to challenge the undefeated World Boxing Council USNBC lightweight champion Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5KOs) of Texas on July 24 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

Bankrolled by Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions in partnership with DAZN and Fantasy Springs, the show topbilled by the WBA Gold welterweight title defense of Vergil Ortiz Jr. (15-0, 15KOs) against Samuel Vargas (31-5-2, 14KOs) marks the return of world-class pro boxing in Southern California after a four-month hiatus.

“I am so excited to fight on July 24 against a talented, young, and very technical boxer in Hector Tanajara Jr,” said the 32-year-old Gesta, who was recently named 'WBC Hero of Humanity' because of his charitable works for the first responders and frontline workers around the San Diego area where he is now residing.

Gesta bared that during the pandemic, he was doing a virtual conditioning training with his team in San Diego, but is now in Los Angeles training with coach Marvin Somodio and his dad at the Wild Card Gym of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

"Even though the fight will be different this time because there will be no audience, friends or family, I’m well prepared and will put on a great show against Tanajara Jr.," declared Gesta.