WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares (44-3, 27 KOs) retained his crown via a wide unanimous decision over Mercito Gesta (31-2-2, 17 KOs) at the Forum in Inglewood, California on Saturday night.

Gesta started the contest looking lively but was soon found wanting as the champion blasted him with right hands. Gesta to his credit gave a brave account of himself but was ultimately overpowered by Linares on route to scores from the judges of 117-111, 118-110, 118-110.

“I won and that’s important, I made defensive moves, I didn’t feel his punches” Said Linares afterwards “I hurt my hand in the fourth round. I couldn’t land the punches as I wanted. But I took it easy, I was relaxed in there. Freddy (Roach) is supposed to be the best trainer in the world and I beat his fighter. Freddy said Gesta was going to beat me with the left hook and he never landed it”

“I told Oscar I want the best, we are ready for the big fights and the good things. Let’s do the big fights, let’s make it happen. They (Mikey Garcia and Lomachenko) keep mentioning my name and that’s who I want next. I dedicated this fight to Japan, to Los Angeles and Las Vegas and especially to my country of Venezuela. We are going through tough times but I am putting all my best to make you all proud.”