When Marketability vs. Sensibility
By Jason Petock (June 26, 2006)
Pride is a characteristic that boxers have always possessed and held in the utmost regard when it concerned their careers and standing amongst the sports elite. There have been several pugilists both past and present who have offered their personal sacrifices of death over defeat in the ring on several occasions, sometimes in affirmation and other times literally. Boxing is a risky and dangerous profession and not everyone has what it takes to be a prizefighter. A fighters mental makeup has a large part in where they go during their career, along with their command of or lack of natural ability, physical or non-physical prowess, and most essentially important in this equation, their heart. All of these crucial factors are paramount in the success or eventual failure of a boxer, no matter their record or position on the virtual boxing ladder. Then you factor in a life threatening injury into the mix and you have a whole different landscape to deal with. This is what ‘Baby’ Joe Mesi, 31-0 (25), Buffalo, New York’s aptly dubbed third sports franchise, currently has to deal with.

After a two year and some change layoff, Joe Mesi returned to the ring against Ronald Bellamy, 14-5-4 (9), on April 1, 2006 in Puerto Rico, winning a UD in 8 rounds to begin his comeback tour. Bellamy had lost his last three prior to facing Mesi, so he was a safe opponent considering the situation. Allowing Mesi to get his feet wet once again and possibly
help him gain back the confidence and momentum that he once possessed, Bellamy was a sure thing. Several critics initiated a backlash that is typical when referring to the Mesi saga after his lackluster performance against Bellamy. Whether this criticism is either protective or judgmental of ‘Baby’ Joe, one thing is certain and that is someone needs to pose the question once more. Should Joe Mesi still be fighting at this point?

Mesi fought his second return fight against Stephane Tessier, 3-8 (1), on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights on June 23, 2006 to win a UD in 6 rounds in a slow and counterproductive match that highlighted the ring rust and time off of Joe Mesi for the public to see firsthand. Granted the political arena that he has had to deal with over the last two year layoff and medical battles, it was highly understandable that he wouldn’t look his best obviously. The explosiveness was no longer there, the crushing power gone and his timing went by the wayside. While he did grind out a victory, you have to wonder what’s next for Mesi and is this really the best thing for the likable and well spoken former heavyweight contender.

In a heavyweight division that is seriously lacking anything in the way of entertainment or a legitimate World Champion, Mesi’s camp still seems to think that Joe has a shot. Holding onto that dream with an iron grip and chasing the legend of Rocky Marciano, 49-0 (43), Joe Mesi is still here defying the critics, the media, the Nevada State Athletic Commission and any other commission or entity who won’t let him fight in their state. It appears that his people and maybe even Joe himself feel that as long as they can keep him undefeated then he can reach that acme that Marciano did. All of the selling points still remain for Mesi. He’s articulate, personable and quick on his feet when it comes to answering hot seat questions fired off by the media. He’s easy on the eyes for the ladies and that puts asses in the seats. But with all these fine points on the table is it in ‘Baby’ Joe Mesi’s best interest to keep taking punches?

Mesi seems to think so and isn’t shy about telling you. His current focus is on what’s next and he wants to put aside the past and the serious brain injury he received in 2004 where he suffered not one but two instances of bleeding on the brain in his bout against Vassily Jirov. Mesi’s goal is to reassure the public and more importantly himself that those injuries were minor and insignificant and that right now he and his brain are healthy, fit and ready to go. Yet it’s a fact that is hard to ignore, and while Mesi may feel that the media and everyone out there are beating a dead horse with a bat on this subject, the fact still remains that he did suffer a subdural hematoma and the possibility remains that he could re-injure himself again or even be killed in the future.

Fighters are known to be a hard-headed lot. Let’s just hope that for Joe Mesi’s sake his determination and stick-to-itiveness doesn’t burn out his candle before it’s time.


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Jason: boxingwarrior@hotmail.com
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