By Jim Dower: Underdog Mercito Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs) says he’s ready to pull off a big upset on Saturday night by beating WBA and Ring lightweight champion Jorge Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) in their HBO televised fight at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
(Photo Credit: Tom Hogan – Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions)
Linares wants to beat Gesta to get to bigger matches against Mikey Garcia. But for Linares, he’s not seeing Gesta as a major threat. This is a handpicked opponent for Linares. It’s supposed to be a sure thing win for Linares. It’s a good deal for Gesta, because he’s getting a nice undeserved payday, and he doesn’t have the pressure on him. No one believes that Gesta can win, so whatever he can do, it’s a bonus.
Gesta, 30, will be getting his 2nd world title shot in the last 6 years, and he’s done little to deserve the shot. That mean Gesta doesn’t have a chance of winning. He’s younger than the 32-year-old Linares, and he’s got more than enough power to knock him out if he lands the perfect shot.
It’s unlikely to happen though, but that’s Gesta’s only chance of winning. He’s not going to outbox Linares. He doesn’t possess that type of boxing skills. At one time during Gesta’s, he was the next Manny Pacquiao in the eyes of a lot of boxing fans. Gesta had that kind of hype him earlier in his career before he was beaten by Miguel Vazquez.
Gesta comes into Saturday’s fight with Linares having won his last 3 matches against Martin Honorio, Gilberto Gonzalez and Miguel Angel Mendoza. Those are not great fighters, but Gesta still won. He did what he’s supposed to do against 2nd tier opposition. He beat them. Gesta fought to a 10 round draw against Carlos Molina in April 2015. This is the same Molina that was beaten in back to back fights by Amir Khan and Adrien Broner. Molina gave Gesta a lot of problems in holding him to a draw. What’s surprising is Molina hasn’t fought since while Gesta has resumed his career and done well, albeit against 2nd tier opposition.
“I just want to say thank you to the media and to HBO,” said Gesta. ”This Saturday I’ll be coming to take home the title. I’ve been training hard for this fight. This is my second shot at a title, and I’ll make the most of it with a knockout victory.”
Gesta has nothing on his resume that would suggest that he’s going to do anything other than lose to Linares on Saturday. Gesta fought for a world title against IBF World lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez ion December 8, 2012. Gesta’s best win of his career was against Manuel Perez in September 2011. Perez is a high caliber journeyman level fighter. He’s got some talent. For Gesta to beat Perez, it shows you that he some ability. Perez has wins over John Jackson, DeMarcus Corley and Jose Miguel Cotto.
”Mercito Gesta. I’m ready. I’m here to give a good fight,” said Linares.”I trained in Japan, and I trained here in the states. I’m not thinking about any other fight right now. Gesta is a tough fighter. He’s a quick southpaw who is dangerous. It’s very important to be victorious this Saturday. Bigger and better things will come with a victory this Saturday.”
