By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Undefeated Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta fights tried and tested Ivan Valle of Mexico at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Diego, California on October 22 in a bout that Gesta needs to win ton retain his undefeated record and more importantly to step into the world rankings.
Gesta who is ranked No. 12 by the WBO where Michael Katsidis is the interim champion has been eager to get a shot at Katisidis but the Australian slugger is scheduled to face Juan Manuel Marquez for his WBA title with Katsidis’ WBO belt also on the line.
The 30 year old Valle has a record of 28-9-3 with 24 knockouts and is coming off a split draw in a clash for the Mexican title against Josfat Perez last June 18. He earlier figured in a 1st round technical draw against Carlos Urias when the fight was stopped after an accidental clash of heads.
The 22 year old southpaw Gesta has a record of 19-0-1 with 9 knockouts. In his last fight on August 20 this year Gesta knocked out Mexican journeyman Genaro Trazcanos in the 7th round after earlier winning the vacant WBO North American Boxing Organization lightweight title when Oscar Meza didn’t come out for the 4th round after being nailed with a vicious body shot on June 4 this year.
Gesta who is from Cebu is handled by Vince Parra who in the absence of trainer Carl Penalosa who apparently has problems getting his US visa renewed . Parra is also Gesta’s co-manager.
As a teenaged fighter Gesta used to be managed by American Terry Carter of the Stonewall Boxing Gym in Liloan, Cebu.
