TWO-time world title challenger Mercito Gesta settled for a technical draw with hometown fighter Carlos Morales in the main event of Golden Boy Promotions’ “Thursday Fight Nights” in Los Angeles, California.

The 32-year-old Gesta, a native of Mandaue City, was in dire need of a win after losing two of his last three contests.

He came into the fight aggressive and searching for the knockout.

Morales suffered a cut above his left eye late in the third round after an accidental headbutt from a very aggressive Gesta.

Gesta had his moments in the fifth and sixth rounds landing some of his combinations.

However, at the break after the sixth round referee Raul Caiz Sr. waved the fight off because Morales couldn’t continue because of the gash.

The fight went to the scorecards with one judge giving it 58-56 for Morales, while the other two had it as a 57-57 draw.

Gesta, a former kickboxer in Cebu, is now 32-3-3 with 17 knockouts, while Morales is 19-4-4 with eight knockouts. (EKA)