MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Mercito "No Mercy" Gesta was triumphant in his first boxing match since 2015, outpointing Gilberto Gonzalez in a lightweight showdown at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gesta, who hails from Mandaue City in Cebu, recovered from a third round knockdown to win via unanimous decision, with scores of 99-91, 98-92, 96-93. The victory improved his record to 30 wins with one loss and two draws.

Boxing Scene reported that Gesta was firmly in control in the first two rounds thanks to his speed advantage, but was floored in the third following an uppercut from Gonzalez.

Gesta however recovered quickly, and regained control of the fight to the point where he was able to open up a cut above Gonzalez's eye. Gonzalez kept coming forward and stunned Gesta anew in the seventh, and the final round of the match saw both fighters exchanging hits.

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It was Gesta's first fight since October 2015, a unanimous decision win over Miguel Angel Mendoza. He took time off to have surgery on an injured shoulder that had limited him in previous matches.

Prior to fighting Gonzalez, Gesta told the San Diego Union Tribune that he hopes a win will put him back on track to title contention.

"I want to show them I am back. I definitely want to do good and try to dominate my opponent to show I am back. Hopefully from this fight I will be back in the rankings and hopefully fight for a title again," he said.

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