Las Vegas, NV – It was an action-packed ESPN Friday Night Fights card at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada as Filipino-Americans came out to support unbeaten Mandaue City native, and current San Diego, California resident Mercito ?No Mercy? Gesta against a much taller, and dangerous opponent in Washington D.C. native Ty Barnett.
It was Gesta?s first fight headlining a nationally televised bout on ESPN, and he certainly did not disappoint. Dubbed as one of Top Rank?s bright stars of the future, the 24-year-old rose to the occasion, showcasing his all-around skills, composure, and killer instinct.
Prior to the fight, Barnett created some buzz by calling Gesta ?overrated?, and promised to expose and exploit his flaws. But despite Barnett?s courageous efforts, Gesta was simply too much for him to handle, and ultimately succumbed to the Cebuano’s aggression in the 9th round after getting dropped twice. Referee Jay Nady called a halt to the contest after Barnett hit the canvas from a Gesta straight at the sound of the bell. Looking discombobulated, Barnett ran to his corner instead of responding to the referee’s 8-count.
Gesta was the aggressor from the beginning, and picked his shots. And although forgot to go to the body at times, he did well in putting his punches together, mixing his hooks, upper cuts and straights. He showed great discipline and composure, even at times when Barnett was coming on. And when he did see an opening, Gesta went for the kill with furious flurries that delighted the crowd all night long.
I caught up with Gesta after the fight at the backstage dressing room to talk about his victory. Transcript of the interview posted below:
dSource – “Congratulations Mercito!!!”
MG – “Salamat bro! Thank you so much dSource. I’m just doing my job!!! (laughing)”
dSource – “Wow! You definitely stepped up to the challenge on ESPN. Talk to us about you performance.”
MG – “I’m so happy bro. I just did what my corner, my trainers told me, my dad, Vince… We worked hard in training and I just wanted to go out there, and time him in the beginning. When I did and I got it, I was able to hit him and that’s what happened.”
dSource – “He talked a lot before the fight. Did he back it up in the ring even just a little bit?”
MG – “That’s why I don’t want to talk. You never know what will happen. He said I’m overrated. That’s what happens. He got knocked out in the 9th round. For me, I like that. I like it when my opponent is so confident. Barnett was tough too. He stood there and fought hard.”
dSource – “I guess from now on, your next opponent will probably refrain from talking trash. But speaking of that next opponent, you were mentioning Adrien Broner, why do you want that fight?”
MG – “Broner is one of the best out there, and I always wanted to fight the best and test myself.”
dSource – “If not Broner, since he’s with Golden Boy, who else do you want to fight?”
MG – “Anybody with a belt. I’ll fight (Miguel) Vazquez, DiMarco, anybody. I’m ready for that belt and I think my promoters are going to give me a title fight around October.”
dSource – “Shane Mosley came in here to congratulate you. Talk to us about that.”
MG – “Shane is a great guy. I sparred with him before and he gave me some tips and advice. He said I did a great job and he enjoyed the fight.”
dSource – “Okay… I don’t want to keep you too long man. Go celebrate!!!”
MG – “Thank you so much bro. Thank you for the support. Keep doing your job!”
