Ryan Garcia Picks Underwhelming Opponent in Mercito Gesta
The boxing community was excited to hear that three-divisional champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (27-0, 25KO) and Ryan “King Ry” Garcia (230, 19KO) agreed to fight sometime in 2023. Yet, Garcia’s tune-up opponent, Mercito Gesta (33-3-3, 17KO), will not provide much of a challenge.
The Ring Magazine has revealed that Garcia will return against Gesta in a tune-up before facing his arch-rival in Davis. After both teams had finally agreed to terms, news dropped that Davis would take a tune-up before January.
Tank took to social media to announce a fight against undefeated WBA junior lightweight champion Hector Luis Garcia on January 7. It sent shockwaves throughout the boxing community as several fans were surprised he would pick such a dangerous opponent. Moreover, Boxing enthusiasts do not consider the WBA junior lightweight champion as a tune-up by any stretch of the imagination.
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Not to be outdone, Garcia revealed a return in January as well. This prompted the boxing community to ponder who would get the call, as fans expected a good opponent after seeing Davis’ pick.
WAS GESTA A BAD PICK FOR A TUNE-UP?
Unfortunately, team Garcia picked a below-average, non-ranked fighter in Gesta, taking a lot of air out of the balloon. The 35 year-old Filipino does not have a lot of tread left on those tires despite being a two-time title challenger with almost twenty years in the sport.
Of course, some fans will argue that Garcia wanted to face a southpaw before facing Davis. Counter to that argument, he already faced a southpaw in his last fight with former champion Javier Fortune on July 16.
In his last five outings, Gesta has gone 2-2-1 and has never defeated a second-tier opponent. Furthermore, he lacks the power and skill set to prepare Garcia for a fighter of Davis’ caliber properly.
This fight is targeted for January 21 or 28 in an arena either in Texas or California.
By: Garrisson Bland
