January 28, 2018 – Mercito Gesta (31-2-2) vs. Jorge Linares (44-3) (Venezuela) at The Forum in Los Angeles, CA for the WBA World Lightweight title, and Ring Magazine Title. Mercito was the Co-Main Event live on HBO Boxing.

Mercito was a warrior throughout the fight and fought with heart and passion.  Though Mercito fell short in defeat in a UD against the Champion Jorge Linares, Mercito gained the confidence and respect from the media and fans around the world.  It was a hard fought fight which had thrilling exchanges.  Both men put it all on the line, and provided the fans at the LA Forum a fight that they will never forget.

As Mercito noted in his Social Media accounts (Twitter/Instagram:  @TheRealMGesta, and Facebook:  Mercito Gesta), “Thank you to all my countrymen in the Philippines, and fans around the world for all your support. Special thanks to Golden Boy Boxing, @RobertDiaz, Oscar De La Hoya, HBO Boxing, WBA: World Boxing Association, and RingTV for the opportunity. It was a great fight with Jorge Linares, and a great experience. I will bounce back stronger!! All the fans in the Forum, thank you as you were all so loud and supportive. Thank you so much, my head is up high, and I will be back soon. To Freddie Roach Official, Wild Card Boxing Club, @MarvinSomodio, Under Armour, Island Pacific Seafood ,@aguileraeddie, adamsboxing, @carlosgadams Thank you so so so much for all your support and for believing in me.

Photo Credit:  Chris Almazan