Mercito Gesta decided on Joseph Diaz in close relationship
By: Sean Crose
The main event of Saturday’s DAZN card from Long Beach, California, was supposed to be a light heavyweight bout between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and celebrity veteran Gabriel Rosado. However, Ramirez was unable to gain weight and so that match was cancelled. It proved to be good news for Joseph Diaz, 32-3-1, and Mauricio Gesta, 33-3-3, as their scheduled 10th round junior heavyweight bout was moved to main event status. .
Gesta had a good first game, using speed, aggressiveness and impressive footwork to get past his man. Diaz put pressure on in the second round, but the Gesta’s pace of action told the story of the round. However, Diaz started to land and landed well in the third inning. With his opponent on the wire, Diaz was able to do some serious work. The Gesta certainly shot back, but Diaz clearly played better.
Both men actively traded in the quarter. Gesta combined his punches well into the fifth round, while Diaz continued to stalk. Gesta’s movement essentially tells the story of season six, although Diaz certainly had his moments. The seventh is nearing its end, though Diaz may have made it through with impressive aggression. Gesta was still surprisingly effective with his footwork in the eighth round as the game progressed into the final rounds. Diaz made it through to the ninth round, seemingly getting through it with powerful hits. Both men let it all play out in tenths.
The Gesta ultimately won by splitting, although the referee’s cards were, as broadcast team DAZN put it, “everywhere”.