From the site that wikkis (I didn't write this). Injury and suspension Mesi's promising boxing career was set back greatly when he was wrongly alleged to have suffered two subdural hematomas. It was revealed later by multiple independent medical professionals, that all he had actually suffered was a concussion.[1] The injuries were derived from 2004 controversial bout with former cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov. In round 9, Jirov threw an illegal blow to the back of Mesi's head.[2][3] Mesi went down from the illegal blow in the 9th and twice in the final round, but managed to finish the fight injured. The bout was scored 94-93 for Mesi by all three judges (i.e., won by unanimous decision), Mesi presented evidence that he never actually sustained any internal brain bleeding to the Nevada comission, but they ignored it and suspended him.[4] The suspension 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. [ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mesi[/ame]
how impressive was he vs williamson? superb skill. just looked like he was a superstar after that performance. as good as u will see imo.
Mesi fought after the brain injury and knocked out a few bums but never looked great or even as good as when he first came up. He was never that good and if he ever fought a top 10 Heavyweight even in todays era he'd get KO'd. Monte Barrett dropped him and probably shouldve gotten the decision over him and Jirov was never the same after the Toney fight and sucked at heavyweight ad he still almost knocked Mesi out. If Mesi career continued it wouldve ended like Calvin Brock's. I hear he's in politics in upstate NY.
I sparred Joe for the Jirov fight. He was a very cool guy and could fight a lot. He beat some very solid guys. Sad his career was stopped with fouls.
He was diagnosed with a brain injury after the Jirov fight. Pretty much ended his career. He was over-hyped and overrated by some, which led to haters discrediting him as a fighter, especially after the Jirov fight. For me he was a good fighter, did well to became a legit contender without having had an extensive amateur background. And yes it was impressive win vs Williamson. He managed to destroy TOS more impressively than Wlad did.
yes, but Baby Joe layed the blueprint lol, baby Joe was good heavyweight contender, he could've been champ. He was better than some of those who did win a title in his time and since
CW Jirov ruined his brain. Cant legally fight anymore. I think he got into politics or something like that. Maybe he should have just done like Valero and fought in places like South America and Japan, where they apparently don't care if a guy has a brain injury or not. If he racked up enough wins overseas, maybe he could have gotten licensed to fight in Texas, where they also don't seem to care if a boxer has serious brain injury or not.