By Ryan Maquiñana
Mercito Gesta will return to the ring in late July at a venue to be determined in a 10-rounder against junior welterweight contender Olusegun Ajose, according to Gestas manager, Vince Parra.
We accepted the fight a couple weeks ago, and now theyre working on the site, but everything looks set to go on our end, Parra told BoxingScene.com.
Gesta (26-1-1, 14 KOs) is coming off an unsuccessful lightweight world title challenge against Miguel Vazquez last December on the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez IV undercard.
After the loss, he took some time off in his native Mandaue City, Philippines, before returning to San Diego, Calif., and making a change in his corner as he moves up in weight.
Hes working with his dad [Anecito Sr.] more on conditioning and training, and Im sitting back and focusing more on the management side, Parra said.  Im still going to be assistant trainer, but this is something hes always wanted as a kid, especially since his dad is now here from the Philippines.  With him moving up to 140 [pounds], its something he wanted to try out, and I support him 100 percent.
Gestas father isnt the only addition to camp.  Mercitos little brother Anecito Jr. (2-1), a junior lightweight, is set to make his American debut on May 24 against debutant Kenny McClain in San Diego.
Mercitos really excited about his brother being here, too, and I think its motivating him to work harder in the gym, Parra said.
Ajose (31-1, 14 KOs), from Lagos, Nigeria, bounced back from a 10th-round stoppage loss to Lucas Matthysse for an interim world title with a points victory over Rynell Griffin last month.
I watched his fight with Matthysse, Parra said of Ajose.  Hes a tough, strong guy.  Hes got decent skills, but at the same time, hes beatable.
As for Gesta, Parra is optimistic that his fighters best days are ahead.
Nobodys making any excuses for what happened in December.  Hes trying to put the past to rest, and its a good opportunity, Parra said.  Hes trying to get back in the mix to fight for a title.  Theres a lot of good fights at 140 and this is the quickest way back to the top.  Its a new year and hes ready to come back out and surprise some people.