Joe Mesi

Infobox_Boxer|name=Joe Mesi


realname =Joe Mesi
nickname=Baby
weight=Heavyweight
nationality = American
birth_date=Birth date and age|1973|11|27|mf=y

birth_place=Tonawanda, New York, U.S.
home=Tonawanda, New York, U.S.
style=Orthodox
total=36
wins=36
KO=30
losses=0
draws=0
no contests=0|

"Baby" Joe Mesi (born November 27, 1973) is an American boxer and former #1 contender to the WBC heavyweight title.

History

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.

He was a New York State Golden Gloves champion, and as an amateur boxer he defeated Hasim Rahman. 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 often seen at Bills and Sabres games and also supports many local charities.

Injury and Suspension

Mesi's promising boxing career was setback greatly when he suffered at least two subdural hematomas during a 2004 bout with Vassiliy Jirov. The injuries resulted in his indefinite suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission, which effectively banned him from boxing anywhere in the United States. 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. Mesi has since been licensed by the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission in February 2006, the Louisiana State Boxing Commission in June 2006, the Arkansas State Boxing Commission in August 2006, the Michigan State Boxing Commission in September 2006, the West Virginia State Boxing Commission in February 2007, and the Rhode Island State Boxing Commission in October 2007.

Current status

Joe Mesi has 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.cite news
url=http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=94&docTipo=4&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC
publisher=World Boxing Council
title=WBC Heavyweight Ratings
date=October 13, 2007]

On February 14, 2008, Mesi publicly expressed his interest to run for the New York State Senate. Currently he is attempting to fill the 61st District seat vacated by Mary Lou Rath.cite news
url=http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/275969.html
publisher=The Buffalo News
title=Heavyweight contender Joe Mesi considers run for state Senate
author=Robert J. McCarthy
date=February 14, 2008] He won the Democratic primary for the seat on September 9, 2008. [cite news
url=http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=60528&catid=37&GID=HSaYuSnElrdpiO6GjKopqmcbRauRTfqGGm6s6Zy22Rg%3D
publisher=WGRZ
title=Primary Results: Hoyt, Kryzan, Mesi, Volker Win
author=
date=September 9, 2008]

Professional bouts

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

See also

References

External links

* [http://www.babyjoemesi.com BabyJoeMesi.com] - Offcial website of Joe Mesi
*