Avila Perspective, Chap. 229: Jojo vs Mercito Gets Top Billing in Long Beach

Tonight’s light heavyweight match between former super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and Gabe Rosado at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, fell out when Zurdo came in nearly eight pounds overweight. That shifted the co-feature between former two division champion Jojo Diaz (32-3-1, 15 KOs) and former world title challenger Mercito Gesta (33-3-3, 17 KOs) into the main event. The bout will air on DAZN.

These are two very good fighters.

Diaz has superb technique and one of the best chins in boxing. He displayed all that against undisputed lightweight world champion Devin Haney when they met over a year ago and also against William Zepeda last October.

Fighting in a heavier weight class has been challenging.

“Mercito is tough and experienced. After I walk him down and win, it’s going to open a lot of doors for me. I’m very confident this fight,” said Diaz.

Gesta is another southpaw and also has one of the better chins. He’s fought many top lightweights such as Jorge Linares and Miguel “El Titere” Vazquez who both formerly held world titles.

It’s lefty versus lefty.

“Jojo is an exciting fighter so I’m excited. Every fight is different, so I don’t know what to expect,” Gesta said.

Expect a very good match.

Doors open at 3 p.m. PT. Tickets are still available.

Canelo in Mexico

Undisputed super middleweight titlist Saul “Canelo” Alvarez gets his wish to fight in Mexico when he faces Great Britain’s John Ryder at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico on Saturday May 6.

Rumors were bouncing around that Canelo would be fighting in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. The reason is that previous boxing cards in Mexico staged by American television networks had problems producing shows. They secretly vowed to never return to Mexico especially when security cannot be guaranteed by Mexican authorities. In this case it’s a European production and they were urged by Canelo to keep it in his native country.

Promoter Eddie Hearn accommodated Canelo’s request.

“Returning to the ring and coming back to fight in Jalisco, where I’m from, makes me especially happy. And in John Ryder, I’m facing a very competitive fighter,” said Alvarez, 32.

“This is a moment that will be forever ingrained in the history of boxing and Mexican sport,” said Hearn who has staged Matchroom Boxing cards in Mexico before but never on a massive scale. “Canelo Alvarez defending his undisputed championship in his hometown in front of 50,000 fans will be an incredible sight and a night we will never forget.”

Commerce Casino Fights

All Star Boxing is staging a boxing card on Saturday, March 18, featuring the battle of undefeated cruiserweights Sonny McEwen (7-0) and Dionardo Minor (5-0-2) at the Commerce Casino.

A total of six undefeated prizefighters ranging from super welterweight to cruiserweight are set to perform. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information call (323) 816-620.