By Ryan Burton
Undefeated lightweight prospect Mercito Gesta appeared on BoxingScene.com's radio show, The Boxing Lab this past Tuesday. The Filipino touched on a few different ubjects including his recent war of words with Brandon Rios and following in Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire's footsteps.
Gesta said that he does feel the pressure that comes with the success that fellow Pinoys Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire have enjoyed but that the pressure inspires him to succeed in the sport.
"Following Manny and Nonito gives me motivation. There is pressure to please the Filipino fans but I like it. I fight not just for my country but also my family."
A potential showdown with WBA titlist Brandon Rios would be a big step up in class for Gesta. While it would be Gesta's best opponent to date, the Filipino fighter didn't shy away from facing Rios.
"If Rios wants to fight me, I will fight him. I have been fighting a long time so I think I will be ready. I want to put on a good performance on September 17th (versus a fighter to be determined) and then I will ready for a big fight."
The September 17th fight takes place in Parker, Arizona as part of a Top Rank Live card that will air on Fox Deportes. Fellow undefeated prospect Jose Benavidez is scheduled to appear on the card as well.
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com Follow Ryan on twitter @ringsidewriter