The co-main event of July 24’s GoldenBoy on DAZN card features a 10-round lightweight contest between rising undefeated prospect Hector Tanajara Jr. (19-0) and former world title challenger Mercito Gesta (32-3-3) live from a fan-less Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.
In a phone interview with Round By Round Boxing, Gesta told us that as the days get closer, he becomes more excited to get back into the ring. Particularly, this is because it has been over eight months since he was last in the ring.
“I feel excited, the last time I fought was last year,” he said. “It’s always exciting, especially when the days are counting down and it’s getting closer and closer.”
When asked if an added level of excitement is present due to the magnitude of the fight and card, Gesta stated he is always excited to fight. After all, he is a fighter.
“I’ve always had that mindset. Fighters fight,” he stated.
Additionally, Gesta stated that big fights don’t necessarily add motivation for him either because he trains as though every fight is his last.
“I’m motivated for every fight,” he told us, “Every fight feels like it could be my last fight. I’m fighting and preparing the same every time.”
When asking Gesta how the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected training, he quickly dismissed it and highlighted all of the ways he had continued to stay in shape, which included weight training and cardio.
“It’s not an excuse for a fighter not to do what they’re supposed to do,” said Gesta.
Since the lockdown has been lifted, however, Gesta has been able to have a fairly full training camp leading into this bout at the world renowned Wild Card Boxing Club. He spoke to the limited access of the gym and on how he has been able to log in good rounds of sparring, particularly with teammates who have fought on the Top Rank cards that have transpired weekly on ESPN.
“Wild Card is not open to the public, just the pro fighters,” Gesta explained. “I’ve sparred some of the fighters who have fought on the ESPN cards. They have given me good work.”
Speaking more to his preparation, Gesta believes he will need to rely on that and his focus in order to win the fight against a dangerous prospect like Tanajara Jr.
“To be focused, ready and smart in the ring is the key to winning,” he stated. “I’ll show my best in there and use my preparation.”
Additionally, Gesta spoke to a few of his advantages he perceives to have in the ring. Namely, the experience he has gained in fighting some of the world’s best fighters such as Jorge Linares.
“I’ll use what I’ve learned over the years to my advantage,” said Gesta.
However, Gesta didn’t view his experience as his only advantage. He views himself as having more speed and cited his comfort of fighting taller fighters being a factor as well.
“I think it’s the speed for me. I have the speed,” he stated. He went on to talk about the height factor as well. “I know he’s tall, but I actually like to fight taller rather than shorter fighters. I feel more comfortable.”
Regardless, holding those advantages does not assure him victory in the ring. Gesta knows this, and recognizes the talent of the rising Tanajara Jr.
“I won’t underestimate him,” he stated. “I know he’s good.”
The Filipino southpaw makes his return to the ring this Friday live on DAZN.
