After failing 6 years ago, Gesta now ready for world title attempt

After failing in his first attempt at becoming a world champion six years ago, US-based Cebuano Mercito Gesta is confident that now is his time.

“Jorge wants to face the best so do I. This camp everything went smooth. I’m ready this is my second shot at a title. I’m hungry and this Saturday I will show why I’ll be the next world champion,” Gesta said in a report posted at Fightnews.com.

The 30-year- old Gesta challenges veteran World Boxing Association ( WBA) lightweight champion Jorge Linares tomorrow at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

In 2012, Gesta fought then International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight king Miguel Vazquez and lost by a lopsided unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

A lot has changed since his last title shot, Gesta has been training at the Wild Card Gym under the tutelage of Hall-of-Fame boxing coach Freddie Roach.

After his only career defeat, Gesta has won five of his next six contests, with one fight ending in a draw. Three of those wins also ended by stoppage.

The 32-year-old Linares is technically the division’s best. Aside from being the WBA titleholder, he’s also the division’s lineal champion with The Ring Magzine lightweight crown. He has won 12 straight fights, in which six were world championships. He has fought some of the best in his division and holds wins over the likes of Luke Campbell and Anthony Crolla. He, however, has a suspect chin with all three of his losses coming by way of knockout.

“I’m ready, I’m here, I’m excited for this fight. I had a good preparation for this fight. I’m ready,” said Jorge Linares.

Gesta is 31-1-2 with 17 knockouts, while Linares is 41-3 with 27 knockouts.