Pinoy boxer Mercito Gesta scores upset over Joel Diaz Jr.

Filipino lightweight and former world title challenger Mercito Gesta scored an upset over the hard-hitting Joel Diaz Jr. following a unanimous decision nod over the latter on Friday (Philippine time) at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, USA.

Gesta has not competed since 2019 and has not scored a win since 2018 but nevertheless looked sharp in the early going as he dropped his foe in round one with a straight left. Diaz fought fire with fire but Gesta got the better of the exchanges and finished strong in the final round.

"I have not fought for a while. There have been ups and downs, I was scheduled to fight then I got food poisoned, and the pandemic happened a lot of fights got postponed. It was just a mixed emotion for me but that did not put me down I kept training," Gesta said after the fight.

"My wife is pregnant with our baby we have been trying for a long time. I am so happy, especially with the victory that I got right now. I give it up to Diaz. He is a tough opponent. This kid can go far because I gave my all and he took it, stood and kept it toe to toe for ten rounds. I salute Diaz."

All three judges saw the fight for Gesta after ten hard-fought rounds, improving his record to 33-3-3 with 17 knockouts while Diaz Jr. fell to 26-3 with 22 knockouts. The scorecards were 96-92, 96-92, and 95-93.

—MGP, GMA News