It hasn’t been the most lively of fight weeks in Long Beach, California, as we are now simply one day away from the Saturday, March 18, Gilberto “Zurdo'' Ramírez facing Gabriel “King” Rosado in a light heavyweight bout at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, which will be televised on DAZN. Yet, it was the co-feature a battle of lightweights as former world champion and 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. will face contender Mauricio Gesta in what could be a crossroads fight for both fighters.
The main telecast starts at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST, with a four-fight card headlined by Zurdo vs. Rosado.
It has been a lot of adversity for Diaz Jr. over the past two years as problems outside of the ring from management to other issues have seen Diaz Jr.’s career go in a helpful direction. Diaz Jr is riding the first two-fight losing streak of his career after losses to William Zepeda and Devin Haney, but even more alarming he is 1-2-1, including a draw with Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov, who is now the IBF super featherweight world champion.
“Mercito is tough and experienced,” said Diaz Jr. “After I walk him down and win, it’s going to open a lot of doors for me. I’m very confident this fight.”
As for Gesta, he fought one time in 2022 defeating Joe Diaz Jr., prior to that Gesta was coming off a three-year layoff and a draw to Los Angeles, California veteran Carlos Morales. Gesta credits becoming a father with his motivation for this fight
“As a fighter, you don’t want to dodge anyone. Jojo is one of the best and I want that. You should expect a better me,” said Gesta. “I just had a son, so I’m not only doing this for me now. Jojo is an exciting fighter so I’m excited.”