SA ikalawang pagkakataon, tatangkain ni US-based Filipino fighter Mercito Gesta na makahirit ng world title sa pakikipagsagupa kay reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight Jorge Linares ng Venezuela sa Enero 27 sa The Forum sa Inglewood, California.

Sa papel at pustahan, dehado ang 30-anyos na si Gesta, ngunit nagpahayag ng kahandaan ang Pinoy laban sa karibal na kilala sa kanyang bilis at diskarte sa ibabaw ng lona.

Hindi pa natatalo ang Venezuelan champion sa nakalipas na 12 laban mula nang gapiin via unanimous decision si Hector Velazquez noong Oktubre 6, 2012 sa Sacramento, California.

Hindi ito lingid sa kaalaman ni Pinoy trainer Marvin Somodio kung kaya’t pinagsikapan nila ni hall-of-famer trainer Freddie Roach na maihanda si Gesta ‘ mentally and physically’.

“After five years since his last world title opportunity, Gesta should do his best in the fight because we never know when this opportunity will come again. Gesta is the underdog in this fight but we believe he can upset the champion,” pahayag ni Somodio.

Unang nakakuha ng pagkakataon si Gesta sa world title kontra Mexican Migeul Vazquez para sa International Boxing Federation lighteight title noong Disyembre 8, 2012 sa Las Vegas, Nevada. Nabigo siya via unanimous decision.

Tangan ni Gesta ang 31-1-2 karta, tampok ang 17 knockouts, habang ang 32-anyos na si Linares ay may markang 43-3 na may 27 knockouts.

“Linares is a great fighter technically and he moves a lot but he is not a boring fighter. He also engages in a fight. Gesta is a strong fighter and he never been knocked out in the fight unlike Linares, who already had knockout losses,” sambit ni Somodio.

“Gesta needs to be busy in the fight that’s why we must strengthen his stamina,” aniya.