William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta undercard: Complete list of fights before main event in 2023 boxing match

Daniel Yanofsky

William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta undercard: Complete list of fights before main event in 2023 boxing match image

Hard-hitting William Zepeda wants to take on the lightweight elite but before that can happen, he must get past former world title challenger Mercito Gesta at The Commerce Casino & Hotel in California on September 16

Zepeda, 27, takes on the Filipino lefty on Mexican Independence Day in a show that will air on DAZN worldwide.

With 24 wins via knockout, Zepeda (28-0) last fought in April, beating Jaime Arboleda via the power punch. The fight was over inside two rounds, which allowed a quick turnaround for the Gesta bout.

WATCH: William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta, live on DAZN

“Obviously, early knockouts make it easier for you to get back into the ring quicker and more often,” Zepeda told Boxing Scene after the fight. “This is going to be a big year for the lightweight division, and I plan to play a major role. It is stacked with so much talent. We are ready to fight anybody.”

Gesta (34-3-3) has fought for gold twice, losing in 2012 against Miguel Vasquez for the IBF lightweight title, and Jorge Linares in 2018 for the WBA and Ring belts. He is 3-1-1 in his last five and is on a two-fight win streak, which includes a split-decision win over Joseph Diaz in March. 

Outside the main event, a world title fight could be the final step in setting up an undisputed showdown and some unbeaten prospects are looking to make a mark. Here is a look into the entire main card for Zepeda vs. Gesta.

William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta undercard

Victor Morales vs. Edwin Palomares

  • Division/Weight: Featherweight
  • Morales record: 18-0-1
  • Palomares record: 18-4-2
  • Belts at stake: N/A 

Victor Morales faces Edwin Palomares in featherweight action.

Morales (18-0-1) turned pro in 2016 and has won half of his fights via knockout. The 25-year-old is 3-0-1 in his last four contests, with his last outing being a knockout win over Diego De La Hoya in April. 

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Palomares (18-4-2) turned pro in 2014 and is 2-1-1 in his last four fights. In his last bout, in February, he fought Sebastian Tinoco Chavez to a draw following a mistake on the Guadalajara boxing commission cards. Incredibly, prior to the official result being rendered, both men were announced as the winner.


Yokasta Valle vs. Maria Santizo

  • Division/Weight: Minimumweight
  • Valle record: 28-2
  • Santizo record: 11-3
  • Belts at stake: IBF and WBO minimumweight titles

Yokasta Valle defends her status as IBF and WBO minimumweight champion against Maria Santizo.

The 31-year-old Valle (28-2) turned pro in 2014. Beating Ana Polo in 2016 for the IBF atomweight belt, she lost to Tina Rupprecht for the interim WBC minimumweight belt. Valle has gone on a 15-fight win streak following that setback, beating Joana Pastrana in 2019 for the IBF minimumweight belt. In 2022, she beat Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen for the WBO belt, and her last fight was a unanimous decision win over Jessica Salazar in 2023. 

Valle could face Seniesa Estrada, who holds the WBA, WBC, and Ring belts, in what would be the first female undisputed minimumweight matchup ever.

Santizo (11-3) turned pro in 2018. In 2012, she failed to capture the WBA minimumweight title against Estrada and has since gone 2-2 since. Her last bout was a unanimous decision loss to Gabriela Fundora. 


Darius Fulghum vs. Ricardo Luna

  • Division/Weight: Light Heavyweight
  • Fulghum record: 6-0
  • Luna record: 25-10-2
  • Belts at stake: N/A

In light heavyweight action, Darius Fulghum faces Ricardo Luna. 

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Fulghum (6-0) turned pro in 2021 and has won all of his fights via knockout. DFG's last bout was a TKO win over Jeremiah Curtright in July. 

Luna (25-10-2) turned pro in 2009. "Tyson" has sixteen wins via knockout and has gone 3-2-1 in his last six. His most recent bout was a TKO loss to Albert Ramirez in May. 


Eric Priest vs. Simon Madsen

  • Division/Weight: Middleweight
  • Priest record: 10-0
  • Madsen record: 13-1
  • Belts at stake: N/A

In middleweight action, Eric Priest faces Simon Madsen.

Priest (10-0) turned pro in 2020. The 24-year-old has won seven fights via knockout, with his last bout a unanimous decision over Ricardo Villalba in May.

Madsen (13-1) turned pro in 2017. Hailing from Denmark, "Vikingo" last fought in December, losing to Austin Williams via unanimous decision. 


When is William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta? 

Zepeda vs. Gesta is on September 16, Mexican Independence Day. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET. Zepeda and Gesta should make their way to the ring around 11:15 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last. 

Region Date Main Card Start Time Main Event Ring Walks (approx.)
USA and Canada (ET) Saturday, September 16 8 p.m. ET 11:15 p.m ET
USA and Canada (PT) Saturday, September 16 5 p.m. PT 8:15 p.m. PT
UK and Ireland Sunday, September 17 1 a.m. BST 4:15 a.m. BST
Australia Sunday, September 17 10 a.m. AEST 1:15 p.m. AEST

WATCH: William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta, live on DAZN

How to watch William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta

Region TV channel Live streaming
USA DAZN
Canada DAZN
UK and Ireland DAZN 1 HD DAZN
Australia DAZN

Now available as a Sky channel, DAZN 1 HD is exclusive to Sky.

William Zepeda vs. Mercito Gesta price: How much does fight cost? 

  • DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S./ $24.99 per month in Canada/ £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract, or £19.99 month-to-month/ 13.99 AUD in Australia
  • DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in the U.S., $199.99 in Canada, and £99.99 in the U.K.

Daniel Yanofsky