TWO-TIME world title challenger Mercito Gesta is in for another tough challenge as he takes on highly rated William Zepeda for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas lightweight belt in a career-defining fight on Sept. 16, 2023 at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, California. The 35-year-old Gesta is attempting another run at a world championship and a win over Zepeda could open the door to another title run.
Zepeda is one of the top lightweights in the world. He’s currently ranked No. 2 by the WBA, No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and No. 7 by The Ring Magazine, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Organization.
The 27-year-old Zepeda is coming off a second-round knockout of former world title challenger Jaime Arboleda, who dropped three times in the fight. Before that, he beat former world champions Joseph Diaz and Rene Alvarado both by one-sided unanimous decisions.
After coming off a long layoff, Gesta won two straight fights. He defeated Joel Diaz Jr. by unanimous decision and walked away with a split decision over Joseph Diaz.
Gesta is currently ranked No. 18 by the WBC.
Gesta is 34-3-3 with 17 knockouts, while Zepeda is 28-0 with 24 knockouts.
Gesta was once regarded as the Philippines’ next big star after Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria. However, the Mandaue City native hasn’t lived up to that expectation.
Gesta fought for a world title twice in his career. He challenged for the IBF lightweight title against Miguel Vazquez in 2012. He lost by unanimous decision.
Gesta’s second world title attempt came in 2018. He also lost by unanimous decision to then WBA lightweight king Jorge Linares. (EKA)