MANILA – Filipino boxer Mercito Gesta gave a good account of himself but simply did not have enough to beat Venezuela's Jorge Linares in their WBA lightweight title fight on Saturday at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Linares, the defending champion, won with scores of 118-110, 118-110, and 117-11 to retain the belt. It was his third defense of the lightweight belt.
Gesta had some success early in the fight, landing his right hand with regularity. However, he had few answers once Linares adjusted.
This marks the second time that Gesta has lost in a title fight. He also dropped a unanimous decision to Miguel Vazquez back in December 2012.
The Filipino's record now stands at 31 wins, with two losses and two draws.
Meanwhile, Linares improved to 44-3.
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