Mercito Gesta wins regional lightweight title

Mercito Gesta is back on the winning track after beating American Roberto Manzanarez via majority decision, 95-95, 96-94, 96-94, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

After losing in his first and only World title fight against Jorge Linares last January, Gesta (32-2-2) captured the North American Boxing Organization’s, one of the WBO’s regional bodies, lightweight title.

Gesta, who stands at 5-foot-7 managed to overcome the 6-foot Manzanarez’ height advantage and was the aggressor in the first five rounds.

Manzanarez eventually suffered a cut around his right eye at the end of the fifth round.

Gesta’s momentum slowed down in the last five rounds after Manzanarez adjusted and used his reach advantage against the Filipino.