Joe Mesi

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"Baby" Joe Mesi (born November 27, 1973) is an American retired boxer and Democratic Party politician from Tonawanda, New York. During his career, he defeated former world champion Vassily Jirov as well as former title challengers Bert Cooper, Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson, and Jorge Luis González.

Early life

Joe grew up in Tonawanda, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. He attended Sweet Home High School in Amherst, New York. He did not start his boxing career until he was about 19 years of age.

Boxing career

He was a New York State Golden Gloves champion, and as an amateur boxer he defeated future two-time Heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. Mesi made it all the way to the finals in the 1996 Olympic Trials, but lost to eventual US heavyweight representative Lawrence Clay-Bey. In Buffalo, for a brief period, Joe was once considered by some to be the city's "third professional franchise", with the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills being the other two. Joe is still often seen at Bills and Sabres games and also supports many local charities.

Philanthropy

In 2002, Mesi started a non-profit to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation upon finding out his cousin was in need of a kidney transplant, and to help others in the Upstate New York area who needed such surgeries. His cousin, Ganelle Shanor, died in an accident before she was able to receive the operation.[1] In January 2004, Mesi donated $7,500 to the Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, New York as a way of giving back to the Rochester community and to promote an upcoming fight at the Blue Cross Arena, with kidney transplant recipient Dillon Gonzalez and his family in attendance. The foundation was funded in part by admission fees to victory parties.[2]

Injury and suspension

Mesi's promising boxing career was set back greatly when an MRI indicated he had suffered at least one, perhaps two subdural hematomas.[3]

The injuries came from a 2004 bout with former cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov. In round 9,[4][5] Mesi was knocked down from a right hook and in the tenth round he was knocked down two more times. Mesi managed to finish the fight on his feet and the bout was scored 94-93 for Mesi by all three judges.

In June 2005, Mesi, along with his attorneys and three doctors supporting his reinstatement, went before the Nevada State Athletic Commission to argue Mesi's hematomas had healed, and, he was, "in no more danger than any other boxer." Mesi's appeal was denied by a 5-0 vote. In response to Dr. Julian E. Bailes, chairman of the department of neurosurgery at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, opinion that: "Football players and other athletes who had even more severe head injuries than Mesi were allowed to continue their careers without further harmful effects." Dr. Tony Alamo, one of the board's commissioners, replied, "You play football, you don't play boxing."[6]

The suspension effectively blacklisted him from boxing anywhere in the United States under the premise of the full faith and credit clause. He launched several ineffective lawsuits against parties they claimed had leaked news of his health, while also appealing to Nevada representatives that he should be allowed to box. The suspension was officially lifted when Mesi's Nevada boxing license expired at the end of 2005. However, he was unable to renew the license due to the concerns of Nevada boxing officials. In 2006, Mesi was again licensed by boxing commissions in Puerto Rico, Louisiana, Arkansas and Michigan, with a handful of other states to follow suit in 2007. Over that time, Mesi won all of his handful of fights, though effectively retired from boxing in 2007.

Joe Mesi had one of the longest active undefeated professional boxing records in the world for a heavyweight. Ranked #1 heavyweight contender by the WBC prior to his two-year layoff, Mesi was #16 in the December 2007 rankings.[7] In 2018, Mesi was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame[8] and the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.[9]

Politics and life after boxing

On February 14, 2008, Mesi publicly expressed his interest to run for the New York State Senate. He attempted to fill the 61st District seat vacated by Mary Lou Rath.[10] He won the Democratic primary for the seat on September 9, 2008.[11] Mesi lost the general election to Republican Michael Ranzenhofer.[12]

Most recently, Joe has taken a position with the Democratic Senate Majority heading up a local Buffalo liaison office. Mesi's name was circulated as a potential Democratic candidate to replace the retiring Jim Hayes in the New York State Assembly. The assembly seat was won by Raymond Walter.

Professionally, Mesi is a medical supply salesman with Abbott Medical. Mesi and his wife, Michele, have three children.[13]

Professional boxing record

Source:[14] Template:BoxingRecordSummary

Template:S-end

Accomplishments

  • 1993 – Empire State Games Gold Medalist
  • 1993 – New York State Golden Gloves Champion – Super Heavyweight Division
  • 1995 – New York State Golden Gloves Champion – Super Heavyweight Division
  • 1996 – New York State Golden Gloves Champion – Super Heavyweight Division
  • 1996 – United States Olympic Alternate – Super Heavyweight Division
  • 1999 – New York State Heavyweight Champion
  • 2003 – North American Boxing Federation Heavyweight Champion
  • 2007 – World Boxing Council USNBC Heavyweight Champion
  • 2011 – Buffalo Boxing Hall of Fame
  • 2018 – New York State Boxing Hall of Fame
  • 2018 – Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

See also

  • Boxingscene.com article, 'Joe Mesi Return A Complex Proposition [15]
  • Above article highlights a subsequent change in the rules applying to professional boxers in the State of Nevada which would allow Mesi to apply to fight in Nevada again (previously not so)

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
Win 36–0 Template:Flagicon Shannon Miller TKO 1 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 12/10/2007Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, Rhode IslandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC USNBC Heavyweight title.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 35–0 Template:Flagicon Ron Johnson KO 1 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 14/04/2007Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon The Hughes Center, Russellville, ArkansasScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 34–0 Template:Flagicon George Linberger TKO 1 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 22/02/2007Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, Chester, West VirginiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 33–0 Template:Flagicon Jason Weiss UD 4 15/09/2006Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Little River Casino, Manistee, MichiganScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 32–0 Template:Flagicon Dennis Matthews TKO 2 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 12/08/2006Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Pope County Fairgrounds, Russellville, ArkansasScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 31–0 Template:Flagicon Stephane Tessier UD 6 23/06/2006Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Uniprix Stadium, Montreal, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 30–0 Template:Flagicon Ron Bellamy UD 8 01/04/2006Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Coliseo Mario 'Quijote' Morales, Guaynabo, Puerto RicoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 29–0 Template:Flagicon Vassiliy Jirov UD 10 Mar 13, 2004Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las VegasScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 28–0 Template:Flagicon Monte Barrett MD 10 06/12/2003Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Madison Square Garden, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 27–0 Template:Flagicon DaVarryl Williamson KO 1 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 27/09/2003Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 26–0 Template:Flagicon Robert Davis TKO 1 (12)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 24/06/2003Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant NABF heavyweight title.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 25–0 Template:Flagicon Jason Curry KO 2 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 28/03/2003Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Creek Nation Gaming Center, Tulsa, OklahomaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 24–0 Template:Flagicon David Izon KO 9 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 18/10/2002Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 23–0 Template:Flagicon Talmadge Griffis TKO 5 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 07/06/2002Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Rawhide Arena, Scottsdale, ArizonaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 22–0 Template:Flagicon Keith McKnight TKO 6 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 05/04/2002Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Alumni Arena, Buffalo, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 21–0 Template:Flagicon Derrick Banks TKO 1 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 02/11/2001Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, ConnecticutScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 20–0 Template:Flagicon Bert Cooper TKO 7 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 27/07/2001Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Civic Center, Niagara Falls, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 19–0 Template:Flagicon Jorge Luis Gonzalez TKO 4 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 27/04/2001Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Civic Center, Niagara Falls, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 18–0 Template:Flagicon Joey Guy TKO 3 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 11/11/2000Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 17–0 Template:Flagicon Matthew Green KO 2 (6)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 23/06/2000Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Grand Casino, Biloxi, MississippiScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 16–0 Template:Flagicon John Rainwater TKO 3 (?)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 25/02/2000Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Rhodes-on-the Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode IslandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 15–0 Template:Flagicon Gary Winmon TKO 1 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 17/12/1999Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Lawrence Convention Center, PittsburghScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 14–0 Template:Flagicon Anthony Green TKO 8 (10)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 17/09/1999Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Burt Flickinger Center, Buffalo, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won USA New York State Heavyweight title.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 13–0 Template:Flagicon Rowyan Wallace KO 2 (6)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 04/06/1999Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Blue Horizon, PhiladelphiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 12–0 Template:Flagicon Brian Sargent KO 1 (6)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 24/04/1999Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Arts Museum, Portland, OregonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 11–0 Template:Flagicon Dwayne Hall TKO 1 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 19/02/1999Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Turning Stone Casino, Verona, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 10–0 Template:Flagicon Rodney McSwain TKO 3 (6)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 03/12/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Sheraton Hotel, HoustonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 9–0 Template:Flagicon Jihad Abdulaziz UD 4 09/10/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 8–0 Template:Flagicon Martin Lopez KO 3 (6)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 27/08/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Arena Theatre, HoustonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 7–0 Template:Flagicon Kevin Rosier TKO 2 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 26/07/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Turning Stone Casino, Verona, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 6–0 Template:Flagicon Art Bayliss KO 1 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 25/06/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, ConnecticutScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 5–0 Template:Flagicon Mike McGrady TKO 2 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 02/04/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Erie County College, Buffalo, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 4–0 Template:Flagicon Darryl Spratt KO 1 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 20/02/1998Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Argosy Festival Atrium, Baton Rouge, LouisianaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 3–0 Template:Flagicon Calvin Smith UD 4 04/12/1997Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Pepsi Arena, Albany, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 2–0 Template:Flagicon Jim Brackney KO 2 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 25/11/1997Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon El Paso County Coliseum, El Paso, TexasScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Win 1–0 Template:Flagicon Dwane Cason Allen KO 1 (4)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 01/11/1997Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Apollo Theater, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Template:S-end
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/checkTemplate:Succession box/check NABF Heavyweight champion
June 24, 2003 – October 30, 2003
Vacates Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBC USNBC Heavyweight Champion
October 12, 2007–present Template:S-ttl/check
Vacates 		Incumbent
  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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