by Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez (32-3, 13KOs) retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Mercito Gesta (26-1-1, 12KOs). The scores were 117-111, 119-109 and 118-110.

In the first half, Gesta was fighting down to the pace of Vazquez. He was following him around the ring, not throwing combinations and allowing the champion to box from a safe distance. Gesta started closing the gap in the second half of the fight and began to land hard combinations when he got in close. While he was able to close the gap, he wasn't active enough to take the rounds from the champion, who continued to box at a safe distance and a steady pace