Gesta stakes undefeated record against Perez in US today

CEBU, Philippines - Undefeated lightweight prospect Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta faces another tough test in his budding career as he goes up against American Manuel Perez today at the Blue Water Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona.

The Mandaue City-native southpaw, who is groomed by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum as the next big thing in Philippine boxing next to pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, will try to improve his impressive record of 22 wins, spiked with two knockouts and a draw.

Ranked No. 2 by WBO, Gesta yearns to prove he belongs with the elite fighters in the 135 pounds division and also strengthen his bid of a world title shot against WBA titleholder Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.

Gesta is fresh from a jaw-dropping victory over Mexican Jorge “El Tigre” Pimentel last July at the Home Depot Center in California.

The 23-year-old Gesta trained at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach under the guidance of US-based Filipino trainer Vince Parra.

During his two-month training, Gesta sparred with undefeated lightweight Jose Benavidez, former WBO/IBF light welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi and future Hall-of-Famer Shane Mosley.

“I’m going to show all my fans a better Mercito and try to show improvement and hopefully my fans like it here, in the Philippines and all over. I really appreciate the support, not just from the Filipinos but all the fans out there,” Gesta told myboxingfans.com.

During the fight, Gesta will acknowledge his father Anecito Gesta by putting the name of their kickboxing gym in Mandaue City - the CMAC- Muay Thai Stable - in his boxing trunks. (FREEMAN)