by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Undefeated Filipino southpaw Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (26-0-1, 14 KO's)  is ready to go all out to win the IBF lightweight title from Mexico’s Miguel Vazquez (32-3, 13 KO's) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, on the undercard of the fourth encounter between “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao and Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez.

Gesta had a light workout at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas under trainer and co-manager Vince Parra who told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard while at the gym that the 25 year old fighter from Mandaue City in Cebu “is looking to prove that he is the real deal at this time.”

Parra also said they also wish to thank Pacquiao and Team Pacquiao “for helping create this opportunity." Parra said fighting on a Pacquiao undercard “Is the biggest deal and a great platform and everything that he’s been wanting and now its here and Mercito is ready to show the world his stuff.”

The trainer said Gesta was “doing a little workout, shaking out losing the last pounds” in preparation fpr Friday’s weigh-in.

He said Gesta was “only a couple of pounds off and is around 137 right now.” Parra said since Gesta “hasn’t struggled with the weight  that takes a lot off his mind and we are  making sure that everything is done right.”

The trainer said he was pleased to learn that there was a great deal of excitement in the Philippines about the fight card that will also feature southpaws Michael Farenas, Dennis Laurente and Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr. He said “its as it should be and Mercito is going to put on a great performance” even as he emphasized how much they appreciate all the support through the years.