By Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

Promising young Filipino southpaw Mercito Gesta headlines an exciting fight card presented by Rogue Boxing Promotions titled “Havoc at the Hard Rock II – No Mercy” on July 10.

 

The undefeated Gesta who is regarded as a lightweight prospect with a record of 15-0-1 with  6 knockouts steps up a notch when he takes on the rugged Damian Fuller, a veteran of 37 fights with 30 wins, 6 losses and one draw and 14 knockouts.

 

The eight round main event is scheduled at the Woodstock Terrace of the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel in downtown San Diego which is certain to be packed with Filipino and Filipino-American  supporters of Gesta who have followed his career with growing interest.

 

In his last fight at the same venue last May 21, Gesta destroyed Tijuana ’s 2008 “Prospect of the Year” Alain “Konan” Hernandez in 44 seconds of the very first round when referee Pat Russell embraced Hernandez who was pinned against the ropes and hammered with a flurry of punches by the relentless Gesta.

 

Gesta who was originally from the Stonewall Boxing Gym of American Terry Carter and partner Joy Ouano in Liloan, Cebu resides in Chula Vista , California and is trained by Carl Penalosa, brother of former two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa.

 

The fight against the experienced Fuller will serve as an acid test for Gesta. Rogue Boxing Promotions notes that Fuller who hails from Detroit , the hometown of Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns is handled by the renowned Jackie Kallen and has a win over local favorite Jairo Ramirez.

 

But far more significant is the fact that Fuller has taken on such formidable opponents as former world champions as Lovemore N’Dou and the late Diego “ Chico ” Corrales in his eleven year ring career.

 

Rogue Promotions president Derek Pierce said that as soon as they had the opportunity to put this exciting match-up he “instantly thought it was a great fight  for the San Diego boxing fans to witness” adding that “through it all Ms. Kallen has been a real pleasure to work with.”

 

In a six round co-feature super flyweight Sergio Espinoza who is regarded as the “San Diego Sensation” will face a still unnamed opponent. Espinoza who at one time was highly rated by the WBC hopes to improve his record en route to a future title shot.