EBC Sports International
Joshua Cruz, Los Angeles Bureau
Rodney Delapaz, New York Bureau
Tennie Sumague, New York Bureau
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – Filipino boxer Mercito Gesta dominated against Mexico’s Martin Honorito with an eighth round knockout in their lightweight bout last Saturday night at the Forum. Here are some thoughts on each round of the fight.
Round 1
The fight starts in a chess match, with both fighters looking to establish his jab. Body shots and hooks landed by Mercito with effective counterpunching. Honorio sets the pace with more activity, but Mercito with the cleaner, more effective punches.
Round 2
Nice combo flurry lands for Mercito, hunting for a clean hook to the chin. Solid hook lands for Honorio as Mercito shakes it off. Left hook to the body lands for Mercito as Honorio tries to steal the round with more punching. Unintentional head butt delays action and Mercito resumes action with a four punch combo to the body.
Round 3
Mercito takes control of the center of the ring, baiting Mercito by leaning slightly to his right to counter Honorio’s jab. Honorio again tries to steal the round with flurries to the body. Round ends in another exchange of quick blows.
Round 4
Straight left sends Honorio to the canvas early in the round for the first knockdown of the fight. Honorio goes on the defense as Mercito trying to end the fight with combos. Solid Mercito uppercut lands as they end the round.
Round 5
Honorio showing more urgency knowing he’s down on the cards. The crowd chants, “Mercito! Mercito!” wanting to see more of his relentless style, he delivers with vicious combos stunning Honorio once more.
Round 6
Honorio tries to stay on the outside, trying to guard himself from Mercito’s accuracy. Right hook to the temple by Mercito halfway through the round. Elusive head movement by Mercito as he looks for an angle for his right hook.
Round 7
Early round body shots from both fighters. Honorio tries to make his last push and pins Mercito up against the ropes after a flurry of his own. Mercito, being more of the aggressor, walks down Honorio despite being the smaller fighter. Good 1-2 lands for Mercito and momentarily stuns Honorio on his heels.
Round 8
Mercito’s dominance continues and rocks Honorio, and the referee finally stops the fight. Fans were upset over the decision, despite the doctor monitoring Honorio’s condition between rounds. Mercito wins by TKO in the 8th.
My thoughts on the fight? I would’ve liked it to go a little longer and show a bit more dominance on the part of Mercito, but ultimately respect the referee decision to stop the fight to protect the fighter.