The guy retired undefeated, has some decent wins watching by his record, but I dont know much about him.
Went life or death with Jirov and ended up with 2 blood clots. Would probably be a fringe fighter someone who might challenge for a belt without winning one
He would of been in the top five. Possibility could of defeated Wilder and AJ if he employed the strategy he used against "Touch of Sleep". He definitely had true power. I believe he overlooked Jirov because he was a Cruiserweight. But he wouldn't stay long because of brain issues.
A brain bleed originally, he came back but couldn't get licensed except for a few states. Career eventually fell into oblivion. Joe Mesi barely made it past a "still fresh" Monte Barrett then almost got ended by Jirov. Everyone in the top 10, hell top 15 probably would've ended him. He had supposed power but it's telling he couldn't stop Monte or Jirov (despite landing flush quite a bit), and despite the fact Jirov got hammered by one shot by Moorer, and was beaten up and down by a smaller Toney, so his power might not have been all that. Also ultimately showed he wasn't very durable. He got hit and hurt and couldn't really recover well. Both Monte and Jirov ended their fights with him way stronger and with him nearly on the way to KO losses against both.
that was a fun fight to watch, the jirov match. jirov was one of the best body punchers i have ever seen.
Joe woulda been fighting the likes of Charles Martin's and Gerald Washington's. Have a fun fight here and there vs likes of Kownacki's or Arreola's
never thought much of mesi. he was an overprotected "White hope" type of fighter……..nice record on paper but lacked the skill and size to be competative today.
Joe Messi was around top 20 to top 40. The only two opponents he had of note were Jirov and Monte Barrett. Two guys who at HW at the time that werent even in the top 10 at any point ever. I was never impressed with Joe when I saw him fight. I know he had abnormal brainscans and was forced to retire, this stuff happens in boxing. I dont see him being any higher today, because the HW boxing scene today is just as strong as it was back then. There are also more big guys out there today which isnt good for him.
He’d have a tier B superfight with Dillianabol Whyte. Joe would box beautifully for about two rounds before the fight would start resembling a barroom brawl. Winner would be determined by venue.