By Michael Marley
In a dazzling display of ring generalship and crisp, accurate punching, Mercito Getsa extended his pro ring record to 23-0-1 with a wide, 10 round decision over rugged Manuel Perez Saturday night at the Blue Water Hotel & Casino.
The lefthanded fighter from Cebu now advances to a main event fight at the Mnadalay Hotel in Las Vegas on Nov. 11, the night before Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao takes on Mexican archrrival Juan Manuel Marquez.
"Mercito needed the good work and Perez has a hard head," co-manager and trainer Vince Parra said after the bout literally held on the egde of the Colorado River.
Perez, who twice fought world champ Brandon Bam Bam Rios, dropped to 16-7-1.
"Rios is tough and hard to fight but this kid is better than Rios," Perez said after the bout.
In the co-feature, unbeaten super lightweight Jose Benavidez (13-0, 12 KOs) destroyed Dedrick Bell (6-10, 4 KOs) in the first round.