Manny, Nonito, Mercito and Bruno. All Filipino Southpaws making waves in the States

Born in the South Pacific, these fighters have found the promised land in California. Pacman and Donaire occupy spots 1 & 3 on the pound for pound list and are clients of Top Rank. Mercito Gesta fights for Golden Boy and at 22-0 is knocking on the door for a big fight at 122..and then there's Bruno Escalante. Like Gesta, Escalante left Cebu in the Philippines for a career in the United States, but does not have the cache to sign with one of the main promotional companies as has his fellow countrymen. All 4 Filipino fighters are southpaws...each started their careers at lower weight classes, and have at one time or another trained at Undisputed Gym in San Carlos, Ca. or Wildcard in Hollywood. Escalante, coming off a 53 second KO over Frank Gutierrez a couple weeks ago in Salinas is 4-0, but his fights have been few and far between. That's now about to change. Bruno recently signed a contract with Zeferino Boxing, promising him 10 fights over the next 3 years. The new ambitious promoters are based in Texas, so expect many of Escalante's upcoming bouts in the Lone Star State.