by Neil Macasadia | May 18, 2018 | Exclusive Feature, Mercito Gesta Articles
URL Credit: http://www.wboboxing.com/gesta-vs-manzanarez-wbo-nabo-title-espn-june-14/
Site Credit: WBO Boxing
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (31-2-2, 17 KOs), the former world title challenger of Cebu, Philippines will battle 135-pound contender Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (35-1, 28 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona in a 10-round fight for the NABO Lightweight Title in the main event of the June 14 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. ESPN will air the fights beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights on Friday, June 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.
Gesta, who now calls San Diego, Calif. his home, is a 30-year-old contender who has defeated quality opponents such as Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez and Martin “El Brochas” Honorio. The southpaw will return after his second world title opportunity, which was against WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine World Champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares, considered the very best lightweight in the world at the time. In his first shot at a title, Gesta fought Miguel “Titere” Vazquez for the IBF Lightweight World Championship.
“I can’t wait to get back into the ring and put on a great show against Roberto Manzanarez,” said Mercito Gesta. “Roberto is a young, tall, talented, and a hungry fighter with an outstanding fight record. I’ve been training hard with my dad, my team, and Coach Freddie Roach, and come June 14, Robert and I will give the boxing fans a great fight!”
Manzanarez is a solid contender who, though born in the United States, has spent most of his career fighting in Mexico. The 23-year-old pugilist has defeated former world champion Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz and former world title contender Hector “Charro Negro” Gonzalez. Manzanarez is ready to make his name in the lightweight division in his first main event on ESPNand first attempt for a regional title.
“This fight is very important for me,” said Roberto Manzanarez. “All fights are important, but this one is the most important one because winning this fight will earn me more opportunities. I’m working on everything in the gym. I know the style of Mercito Gesta and I know that he’s fast. But I’m working very hard to win this fight.”
The co-main event will feature an exciting battle between two undefeated Golden Boy Promotions prospects as Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (13-0, 8 KOs) takes on Manny “Chato” Robles III (15-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant NABF Featherweight Title.
Valerio is a heavy-handed prospect who earned his undefeated record by defeating one tough opponent after another. The 23-year-old native of Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico is ready to be considered a contender, but only if he can get past his Golden Boy Promotions stablemate.
“I am thankful for another opportunity,” said Edgar Valerio. “I will give the fans a great fight. Without a doubt this clash of undefeated prospects will exceed expectations and emotions. I await a great productive night of boxing for my team and myself.”
Robles III is a 23-year-old native of Southern California who has steadily built his resume since making his professional debut in 2012. Robles III made his headlining debut in Sept. 2017 when he defeated Jose Estrella in an LA FIGHT CLUB event, and he’ll be one victory away from contender status if triumphant on June 14.
“Valerio is a good, talented fighter, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” said Manny Robles III. “I never underestimate anyone that’s why I’m training my butt off. I understand this is the biggest fight of my career. The only thing I’m worried about is my opponent and being victorious.”
Former two-division world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon will be the special VIP guest for this action-packed event. The native of Ciudad Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico made his name in the sport of boxing as one of Golden Boy Promotions’ first prospects and champions, defeating the likes of Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz and Jhonny Gonzalez in his celebrated career. Ponce De Leon will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.
The undercard of this event will feature prospects from around the nation. Herbert “Ace” Acevedo (14-2, 6 KOs), a native of Garden City, Kansas, will take on David Thomas (6-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight battle. Rommel Caballero (0-0-1) of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round super featherweight clash, while Luis Feliciano (6-0, 3 KOs) of Utuado, Puerto Rico will participate in an eight-round 140-pound bout. Opponents for these two prospects will be announced shortly.
https://www.boxingscene.com/gesta-vs-manzanarez-headlines-golden-boy-on-espn-june-14–128243
by Neil Macasadia | Jan 30, 2018 | Mercito Gesta Articles
Check out EXCLUSIVE FIGHT PHOTOS from Team Gesta’s Photographer: Chris Almazan
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URL Credit: http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11226019/jorge-linares-too-classy-for-mercito-gesta-in-los-angeles
Source: Sky Sports
WBA lightweight world champion Jorge Linares retained his title after out-pointing Mercito Gesta at the Los Angeles Forum. It was a third successful defence for Linares and a 14th straight victory for the classy Venezuelan, who was given a unanimous decision. Linares landed the harder and cleaner punches throughout and won almost every round on the scorecards, two judges scoring the fight 118-110 and one giving it to the champion 117-111.
In his previous three fights, Linares had impressed in twice beating Anthony Crolla before claiming a split decision over another Brit, Luke Campbell. He chipped away at Gesta’s defences during the first five rounds here, before upping his attack in the middle rounds, landing some powerful combinations in the seventh. Gesta played the showman early in the fight, smiling widely whenever Linares landed a hard blow to the head, but his grin had turned to a grimace in later rounds as the punches piled up.
Linares suffered a cut around his right eye in the eighth and fought with blood flowing from the gash for the rest of the round, but his team in the corner were able to stop it from bothering him for the remainder of the fight. “I didn’t really feel his power,” said Linares. “But I hurt my hand in the fourth or fifth round. “There wasn’t a knockout because he was well prepared.”
He improved his record to 44-3 with 27 KO’s while Gesta (31-2-2) again fell short in a title fight, having lost to Miguel Vazquez in 2012. “I fought against a world champion,” said Gesta. “He adjusted well to my style after the first couple of rounds.”
Linares is hoping this victory puts him in line for a unification fight against Mikey Garcia or a battle with Ukrainian champion and 2017 fighter of the year Vasyl Lomachenko.
by Neil Macasadia | Dec 13, 2017 | Exclusive Feature, Mercito Gesta Articles
Article Credit: Golden Boy Promotions (GoldenBoyPromotions.com) – Press@GoldenBoyPromotions.com
LUCAS ‘LA MAQUINA’ MATTHYSSE AND MERCITO ‘NO MERCY’ GESTA SANTA MONICA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES, PHOTOS AND VIDEO
VACANT WBA WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CROWN ON THE LINE AS MATTHYSSE LOOKS FOR FIRST WORLD TITLE OF IMPRESSIVE CAREER AGAINST UNDEFEATED THAI SENSATION TEWA KIRAM
JORGE “EL NIÑO DE ORO” LINARES TO DEFEND HIS WBA, WBC DIAMOND AND RING MAGAZINE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AGAINST MERCITO ‘NO MERCY’ GESTA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018 TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®
Tickets on sale this Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10:00 a.m. PT!
(L-R: Joel Diaz, Lucas Matthysse, Mercito Gesta, and Freddie Roach pose for photos.)
Photo/Video Credit: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2017): Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (38-4, 35 KOs), the current WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International Welterweight Champion of Chubut, Argentina held a press conference today at Malbec Argentinean Cuisine in Santa Monica ahead of his fight for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship against undefeated Thai superstar Tewa Kiram (38-0, 28 KOs) in a 12-round battle at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. In the second main event, Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs), who was also in attendance, will challenge Venezuela’s Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) in a 12-round championship bout for Linares’ WBA, WBC Diamond, and Ring Magazine lightweight titles. The event will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
(L-R: Joel Diaz, Lucas Matthysse, Roberto Diaz, Mercito Gesta, and Freddie Roach on the dais.)
Here’s what today’s participants had to say at today’s press conference:
LUCAS “LA MAQUINA” MATTHYSSE, WBA Inter-Continental Welterweight and WBO International Welterweight Champion:
“I’m happy to be back in the United States. We’re preparing well. I’ve had a great camp. I started camp early in Argentina, and now I’m looking forward to closing camp with Joel Diaz in Indio, California. I don’t train for the knockout, but if the knockout comes, I’ll welcome it. I fought everyone at 140. I want to do the same as I did at 140; I want to fight the best.”MERCITO “NO MERCY” GESTA, Lightweight Contender:
“I know it will be a tough fight. I’m a challenger, an underdog. But I love that feeling. It makes me hungrier, train harder and box smarter. I’ve worked with Jorge [Linares] before with some sparring. I know sparring is different, but I did well. Still, I know his style and power. With the help of Coach Freddie, we’ll have the right strategy. I am hungry for this title. I’ll do anything to get that title. I will give a good show in that fight.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Trainer to Mercito Gesta:
“We’re in a real tough fight. My guy [Mercito Gesta] is definitely getting ready for this fight. We’re going over a lot of strategy. We started sparring yesterday, and it went well. We still have a lot of time to work a little more. He’s looking good so far. I feel we can win this fight. This is a good opportunity for us and we have to take advantage of it as much as we can.”JOEL DIAZ, Trainer to Lucas Matthysse:
“I’m really happy to be part of Lucas Matthysse’s team. He’s a great fighter. Coming in he’s very motivated. In my first fight him with him, he did really well with Emmanuel Taylor. Coming in to his second fight, he was motivated and happy. I always say that a happy fighter is a successful fighter. You’re going to see a great Matthysse, one who is ready to become world champion.”
ROBERTO DIAZ, Head Matchmaker of Golden Boy Promotions:
“On January 27, Argentine knockout artist “La Maquina” Matthysse will battle Thai superstar Tewa Kiram in a 12-round battle for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship at the “Fabulous” Forum.That night, Golden Boy Promotions will have a double main event at the Forum, with Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares battling the once-defeated Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta in a 12-round fight for Linares’ WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships.”
“Lucas Matthysse is a power puncher who is one of the best 140-pounders of this era and has defeated some of the very best of that division. Mathysse recently entered welterweight division when he stopped Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor, and he is ready to fight the very best at welterweight.”
“Gesta has not tasted defeat in six fights, beating quality opponents including Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez and former contender Martin “El Brochas” Honorio. He is hungry for this fight and for this chance to be world champion.”
EVELYN CARRION, Vice President of Special Events for the “Fabulous” Forum:
“We’ve hosted the best of boxing and more than 400 important fights since it opened in 1967, including fights with Muhammed Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Ken Norton and Shane Mosley. We’ve also hosted many more recent fighters as well. Today we are honored to welcome back Jorge Linares and Mercito Gesta, and we are thrilled to add Lucas Matthysse and Tewa Kiram to the great list of champs who have fought at our historic venue. All of us at the Forum are happy to welcome our friends at Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Boxing.
Matthysse vs. Kiram is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Welterweight
World Championship, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box and Galaxy Promotions. Linares vs. Gesta, a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for Matthysse vs. Kiram are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person, go on sale Thursday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MatthysseKiram into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
CONTACTS:
by Neil Macasadia | Nov 27, 2017 | Exclusive Feature, Mercito Gesta Articles, No Mercy Update
Press Release from Golden Boy Promotions on 11/27/17:
LUCAS ‘LA MAQUINA’ MATTHYSSE AND JORGE ‘EL NINO DE ORO’ LINARES TO KICK OFF 2018 WITH A BANG IN TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS AT LOS ANGELES’ ‘FABULOUS’ FORUM
VACANT WBA WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CROWN ON THE LINE AS MATTHYSSE LOOKS FOR FIRST WORLD TITLE OF IMPRESSIVE CAREER AGAINST UNDEFEATED THAI SENSATION TEWA KIRAM
LINARES TO DEFEND HIS WBA, WBC DIAMOND AND RING MAGAZINE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AGAINT MERCITO ‘NO MERCY’ GESTA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018
TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 27, 2017): Two of the world’s most exciting fighters, Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (38-4, 35 KOs) and Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares (43-3, 27 KOs), will kick off the 2018 boxing year with a bang as they compete in separate world championship bouts on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California. This special double main event will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:20 p.m. ET/PT.
The first co-main event will see the 35-year-old Matthysse, an absolutely thunderous puncher out of Chubut, Argentina, facing undefeated Thai superstar Tewa Kiram (38-0. 28 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship.
“I am honored to be able to fight for a world championship in just my second fight at welterweight,” said Matthysse, a former interim world champion at 140 pounds who has defeated the likes of former two-division champion Lamont “Havoc” Peterson, formerWBO Junior Welterweight Champion Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikovand former three-division titlist Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto. “I understand I am facing a younger, undefeated opponent, but I am confident that ‘The Machine’ will emerge victorious.”
Since turning pro at the age of 15, Kiram has torn through an astounding 38 opponents, with 28 of them never hearing the final bell. He won the interim PABA Welterweight Championship in just his sixth fight and defended it – and the full PABA Welterweight title – more than 30 times over seven years. This will mark his first fight outside of Thailand.
“I understand not many people know me in the U.S., but they are in for a big surprise on Jan. 27,” Kiram said. “I have never been defeated, and I am fully confident that I will return to Thailand with the WBA Welterweight World Championship around my waist.”
In the second co-main event, Linares, a 32-year-old Venezuelan considered one of the top fighters in the world, will make his second trip to the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in a row to defend his multiple lightweight world championships against the once-defeated Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs).
“I have travelled all over the world to win and defend my titles, and I am looking forward to having my hand raised in victory once again in America,” said Linares, the three-division world champion who holds victories over world champions and contenders such as Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla, Kevin “Mighty” Mitchell and Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz. “I know that Gesta has speed and power, but he hasn’t been at this level before, and on Jan. 27, he’ll know what it’s like to face a world champion.”
Gesta, a 30-year-old from the Philippines, has not tasted defeat in six fights, beating quality opponents including Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez and former contender Martin “El Brochas” Honorio. Gesta is getting his second shot at a world championship more than five years after dropping a unanimous decision to Miguel “Titere” Vazquez for the IBF World Lightweight Championship.
“I know firsthand how long it takes to get a shot at a world championship, and I will not allow this opportunity to pass me by,” Gesta said. “I understand Linares is a great fighter, but I know I have the skills, speed, power, and great coaching which will get my hand raised in victory.”
“What a way to kick of 2018 – with two of the top fighters in the sport taking on younger, hungry challengers,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “It’s not often you get two main events on one card, but that is what we will have on Jan. 27 at the “Fabulous” Forum. This card will help keep the momentum that boxing established in 2017.”
“This is a very important fight for Argentine boxing, for Lucas Matthysse and for Arano Box,” said Mario Arano of Arano Boxing. “Matthysse is ready to be a world champion, and we are more than sure that his win will make huge waves throughout the entirety of the Republic of Argentina and South America.”
“Thailand has never had a Welterweight World champion before,” said Taweesin Terry Laosuwanwat, Manager and Promoter of Kiram. “We are making history here, and Tewa [Kiram] will do anything to win this fight. Tewa has never lost before, and he will keep his undefeated record against Matthysse.”
The remainder of the undercard and the ticket information for this stacked event will be announced shortly.
Matthysse vs. Kiram is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box and Galaxy Promotions. Linares vs. Gesta, a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” This special double main event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at The ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, California and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:20 p.m. ET/PT.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking hereor copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MatthysseKiram into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.comand www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow the conversation using #MatthysseKiram.
About The Forum
The award-winning “Fabulous” Forum, located in Inglewood, CA, is the largest indoor performance venue in the country designed with a focus on music and entertainment, in addition to select sporting events. The interior of the bowl features flexible seating that ranges from 17,500 seats to 7,000 seats, enabling the venue to attract a wide variety of premier events. Fans at the Forum enjoy approximately 8,000 square feet of event level hospitality offerings, including merchandise, along with food and beverage options from some of SoCal’s most celebrated brands. A tinted glass wall separates this concession area from the arena, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the performance. A 40,000 square foot outdoor terrace surrounds the perimeter of the building and offers food and beverage options, as well as comfortable furnishings, to further elevate guests’ enjoyment. The Forum delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for all thanks to its superior acoustics, intimate ambiance and state-of-the-art facilities. Designed with entertainers and performers in mind, the venue includes nine, star-caliber dressing rooms that provide unparalleled comfort. The Forum is part of The Madison Square Garden Company’s portfolio of iconic venues, which also includes: New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston. For more information, please visit www.fabulousforum.com.
CONTACTS:
Ramiro Gonzalez/Gabriel Rivas, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631
Stefan Friedman/Kristen Rockwell Caloca, Mercury: (424) 202-1671
Patrick Byrne, HBO: (212) 512-1361
Kevin Flaherty, HBO: (212) 512-5052
Maxie Solters, The Forum: (818) 761-6100
by Neil Macasadia | Oct 21, 2017 | Exclusive Feature, Mercito Gesta Articles
Photo Credit: Claire @ ClaireAndCo.com
On October 20, 2017, Mercito “No Mercito” Gesta married his loving fiance Summer in a very intimate wedding ceremony at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Laguna Nigel. Family and friends celebrate the much anticipated wedding of the year, which was fun of love and happiness.
Shortly afterwards, the newlyweds and close family and friends gathered at Cannons Seafood Grill at Dana Point to end the night with dinner and celebration!
As Mercito stated on his Instagram Page (@TheRealMGesta): “We started as friends in 2010, then two years later we fell in love. After three years we got engaged, and now we are getting married. We’ve been through a lot of challenges and obstacles together, but through it all you have always been there for me. You have never given up on me, and I truly admire your unconditional love for me. You are my rock, my soulmate, and my other half. That is why I am marrying this wonderful and beautiful woman in my life. This is the week of our wedding my laaby. I’m excited for us! I love you!”
Congratulations and best wishes to “The New” Mr. & Mrs. Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta!
Click on Exclusive Wedding Video Highlights thanks to Ram Nogra.
Exclusive Photos coming shortly.
by Neil Macasadia | Jul 17, 2017 | Exclusive Feature, Mercito Gesta Articles
Check out EXCLUSIVE FIGHT PHOTOS
Article URL Credit: http://www.spin.ph/boxing/news/mercito-gesta-heralds-comeback-with-eighth-round-stoppage-of-veteran-mexican-foe
Author: Gerry Ramos
Photo Credit: Jhay Otamias
MERCITO Gesta continued to make an impressive ring comeback on Sunday (Manila time) after scoring an eighth-round stoppage of veteran Martin Honorio of Mexico at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
The former world title challenger dominated Honorio right from the opening bell and was actually pummeling his hapless opponent in the fateful round when the referee decided the 37-year-old Mexican had enough.
Gesta, the Mandaue City native now based in San Diego, California, is now 31-1-2 with 17 KOs as he fought for the second time this year after fully recovering from surgery last year.
His only career loss came against Miguel Vazquez for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight title in the undercard of the fourth and final meeting between legendary ring rivals Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in December of 2012.
“It feels great to be back. I am almost 100 percent to where I want to be after my surgery,” he said after the fight.
It helps too, that Gesta, nicknamed ‘No Mercy,’ is now being handled by renowned trainer Freddie Roach.
“With all the rehabilitation and training under Freddie Roach, I am on track to fight for a title very soon,” added the Filipino. “Right now, I just want to keep improving, and keep focused.”
Now in the twilight of his career, Honorio lost for the fifth time in his last six outings, bringing his career record to 33-11-1 with 16 KOs.
Like Gesta, the veteran Mexican also once vied for a world title, losing by technical knockout to Robert Guerrero for the IBF featherweight title 10 years ago.
Honorio also fought in the country in 2011, winning by split decision over Surasak Makordae of Thailand as part of the undercard of the Brian Viloria-Giovani Segura World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight title match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The fight served as one of the undercards in the Miguel Berchelt-Takashi Miura World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title.
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