Gesta goes for KO win against Barnett

CEBU, Philippines - Unbeaten lightweight contender Mercito ‘No Mercy’ Gesta (25-0, 13KOs) is hell-bent on making an impression when he slugs it out with American Ty Barnett (20-2-1, 13KOs) in the main event of ESPN2:Friday Night Fights today at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gesta is determined to destroy the American boxer, who has launched several verbal jabs against him.

Gesta’s father/trainer Anecito Gesta said Barnett’s trashtalking motivated his son to go for a knockout victory and compared to his previous bout, the 24-year-old Cebuano fighter promised to be more agressive this time.

“Barnett has said so many things against Mercito and this is good because it just shows that he is not scared of my son,” said Anecito. “My son is now determined to knock him off. I think he won't last five rounds against Mercito.”

During the official weigh-in yesterday, the pride of Brgy. Labogon, Mandaue City tipped in the scales at 137 pounds, while Barnett came in at 135.5.

Gesta scored a resounding eighth round TKO of Colombian Oscar Cuero in his last figth on April 14 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. - THE FREEMAN