MERCITO ‘NO MERCY’ GESTA TO FACE ROBERTO ‘TITO’ MANZANAREZ IN MAIN EVENT OF JUNE 14

Published by Shawn C.

LOS ANGELES (May 17, 2018): *Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta *(31-2-2, 17 KOs),
the former world title challenger of Cebu, Philippines will battle
135-pound contender *Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez *(35-1, 28 KOs) of Phoenix,
Arizona in a 10-round fight for the NABO Lightweight Title in the main
event of the June 14 edition of *Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN* at *Fantasy
Springs Resort Casino *in Indio, Calif. ESPN will air the fights beginning
at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 7:00
p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights on Friday, June 15
at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

Gesta, who now calls San Diego, Calif. his home, is a 30-year-old contender
who has defeated quality opponents such as *Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez *
and *Martin “El Brochas” Honorio*. The southpaw will return after his
second world title opportunity, which was against WBA, WBC Diamond and
*Ring *Magazine World Champion *Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares*, considered
the very best lightweight in the world at the time. In his first shot at a
title, Gesta fought *Miguel “Titere” Vazquez *for the IBF Lightweight World
Championship.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring and put on a great show against
Roberto Manzanarez,” said *Mercito Gesta*. “Roberto is a young, tall,
talented, and a hungry fighter with an outstanding fight record. I’ve been
training hard with my dad, my team, and Coach Freddie Roach, and come June
14, Robert and I will give the boxing fans a great fight!”

Manzanarez is a solid contender who, though born in the United States, has
spent most of his career fighting in Mexico. The 23-year-old pugilist has
defeated former world champion *Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz *and former
world title contender *Hector “Charro Negro” Gonzalez*. Manzanarez is ready
to make his name in the lightweight division in his first main event on
*ESPN*and first attempt for a regional title.

“This fight is very important for me,” said *Roberto Manzanarez. *”All
fights are important, but this one is the most important one because
winning this fight will earn me more opportunities. I’m working on
everything in the gym. I know the style of Mercito Gesta and I know that
he’s fast. But I’m working very hard to win this fight.”

The co-main event will feature an exciting battle between two undefeated
Golden Boy Promotions prospects as *Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio *(13-0, 8 KOs)
takes on *Manny “Chato” Robles III *(15-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant NABF
Featherweight Title.

Valerio is a heavy-handed prospect who earned his undefeated record by
defeating one tough opponent after another. The 23-year-old native of
Nezahualcóyotl,
Mexico is ready to be considered a contender, but only if he can get past
his Golden Boy Promotions stablemate.

“I am thankful for another opportunity,” said *Edgar Valerio. *”I will give
the fans a great fight. Without a doubt this clash of undefeated prospects
will exceed expectations and emotions. I await a great productive night of
boxing for my team and myself.”

Robles III is a 23-year-old native of Southern California who has steadily
built his resume since making his professional debut in 2012. Robles III
made his headlining debut in Sept. 2017 when he defeated Jose Estrella in
an *LA FIGHT CLUB *event, and he’ll be one victory away from contender
status if triumphant on June 14.

“Valerio is a good, talented fighter, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen
before,” said
*Manny **Robles III*. “I never underestimate anyone that’s why I’m training
my butt off. I understand this is the biggest fight of my career. The only
thing I’m worried about is my opponent and being victorious.”

Former two-division world champion *Daniel Ponce De Leon *will be the
special VIP guest for this action-packed event. The native of Ciudad
Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico made his name in the sport of boxing as one
of Golden Boy Promotions’ first prospects and champions, defeating the
likes of *Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz *and *Jhonny Gonzalez *in his
celebrated career. Ponce De Leon will be in attendance for this event to
meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs
Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The
meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the
event.

The undercard of this event will feature prospects from around the
nation. *Herbert
“Ace” Acevedo *(14-2, 6 KOs), a native of Garden City, Kansas, will
take on *David
Thomas *(6-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight battle. *Rommel
Caballero *(0-0-1) of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round super
featherweight clash, while *Luis Feliciano *(6-0, 3 KOs) of Utuado, Puerto
Rico will participate in an eight-round 140-pound bout. Opponents for these
two prospects will be announced shortly.

*Gesta vs. Manzanarez *is a 10-round fight for the NABO Lightweight
Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by
Tecate, “*THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING*” and Hennessy, “*Never Stop, Never
Settle.”* The fights will take place on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Fantasy
Springs Resort Casino. ESPN will air the fights beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30
p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN
Deportes will air the fights on Friday, June 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m.
PT.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. PT
and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort
Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at
www.fantasyspringsresort.com
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