Joel Diaz Jr. vs Mercito Gesta

Golden Boy Promotions Desert Show at Fantasy Springs

By Uppercut Magazine staff

(Photo by Lissette De Los Santos/Golden Boy Promotions)

Boxing returns to the Coachella Valley as lightweights collide with Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta clashing with slugger Joel Diaz Jr.

Mercy.

Gesta (32-3-3, 17 Kos) meets Diaz (26-2, 22 Kos) at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio on Thursday April 21. DAZN will stream the Golden Boy Promotions card live.

With the pandemic stalling most of the smaller boxing cards around the world, it finally returns full force to the Coachella Valley and the prime location Fantasy Springs Casino. It’s been home for Golden Boy and the two main event fighters too.

Gesta has previously performed at Fantasy Springs and will trade blows and experience against Diaz whose first pro fight took place in the Palm Desert area.

“I feel on top of the world headlining a card on Golden Boy and DAZN. This is a big opportunity for me and I will make sure to take advantage of it,” said Diaz.

Gesta has fought at Fantasy Springs twice before. In his first appearance he took part in one of the greatest fights seen at the venue when he and Carlos Molina slugged it out to a draw. Fans were left breathless at the two lightweights.

“I do believe that if I give a good performance on Thursday I will be put up on the list of the lightweight division and hopefully get bigger fights,” said Gesta.

It’s a pretty interesting match up.

Other bouts

Hometown fighter Manuel Flores (11-0) has fought professionally for six years but has never actually fought at Fantasy Springs as a pro. He battles veteran Victor Ruiz (23-12) in a bantamweight bout set for eight rounds.

“This is going to be my second fight this year, but the first time in my hometown since 2015 when I was still in the amateurs. It’s a blessing to be able to have the support of my friends and family here in the Coachella Valley. I am now able to showcase my skills as a professional,” said Flores.

Also returning to action is Jousce Gonzalez (11-0-1) in a lightweight contest against Jairo Lopez (27-14) set for eight rounds. Gonzalez is the younger brother of top contender Joet Gonzalez.

Doors open at 5 p.m.