Gesta battles Linares for WBA crown today

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UNITED States-based Filipino boxer Mercito Gesta challenges defending World Boxing Association ( WBA) lightweight champion Jorge Linares of Venezuela in a world title bout today (Philippine time) at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

After a rigid training regimen Linares also made it to the under renowned trainer Freddie lightweight limit after tipping the Roach that started last December scale at 135 pounds. 4 at the Wildcard gym, Gesta’s Somodio added that Gesta (31trainer Marvin Somodio said the 1-2 win-loss-draw record with 17 30- year- old Cebuano boxer is knockouts) should be cautious ready to rumble against the 32against Linares ( 43- 3 win- loss year-old Linares. record with 27 knockouts) espe

“He (Gesta) is in a very good cially in the early rounds. condition and he conveniently “Linares is explosive from the got his weight,” said Somodio of beginning but in the second half his boxer’s 134.8 pounds weight of the rounds, he is not that agduring the obligatory weigh-in of gressive,” he added. “Linares fighters on Saturday. though has great combinations

“Gesta’s focus now is already especially his uppercut and hook on the fight. He has a good diet over jab, so Gesta should not let and conditioning coach Justin his hands down during the fight. Fortune is also there for him.” And No. 1, he must be aggressive in using his speed and must deliver a lot of punches.”

Although the seasoned Japanbased boxer is heavily favored to win over Gesta, Somodio said his ward’s main advantage heading to the fight is his durability. Gesta has not been knocked out in his entire boxing career.

“At the same time, Gesta is very determined to win this fight because of his new team under coach Freddie (Roach). It is the best team in the world,” said Somodio.

This is Gesta’s second attempt at the world title after losing his first try against Mexican Miguel Vazquez via unanimous decision last December 8, 2012 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the International Boxing Federation lightweight belt.

Gesta is coming from a technical knockout win over Mexican Martin Honorio last July 15 in Inglewood.

Last September 23, Linares won against British fighter Luke Campbell via split decision to retain his belt also in Inglewood.