Boxing

Interview With “Baby” Joe Mesi

By Ed Ludwig

19.07 - After an impressive first round demolition over Robert Davis, undefeated Heavyweight contender Joe Mesi (26-0 24 KO’s) spoke to Eastside Boxing about his future plans and thoughts on the division. There are ongoing talks that Mesi will face DaVarryl “Touch Of Sleep” Williamson in September on an HBO tripleheader, taking place from the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY. As of press time the contracts have not been signed although it is speculated that it will be finalized early next week. Mesi’s popularity continues to grow especially in his hometown of Buffalo. While he lets his fists do the talking in the ring Mesi spends countless hours helping the less fortunate and bringing awareness to a cause close to his heart and that is speaking to people about becoming an organ donor. I would like to thank “Baby” Joe Mesi for taking the time to speak with Eastside Boxing.

Ed Ludwig: I want to start off by congratulating you on your recent knockout win over Robert Davis. Were you surprised that it ended as early as it did or did you expect to go a few rounds?

Joe Mesi: I’m not surprised. I was well prepared and I have been watching Robert for years so I knew what I was doing when I went out there but I wasn’t that confident in myself that I could do it so early and I don’t want to disrespect him. He gave Michael Moorer and Michael Grant tough fights so I thought he would have been a bit more durable.

EL: What was the delay getting into the ring? Was there a problem or was it a psychological ploy?

JM: No it really wasn’t and that’s the truth. I am one for showmanship and entertainment but I did not expect it to be that long and that delayed. I meant no disrespect to Robert Davis but it ran a bit long. I did like the entrance and was pleased.

EL: How was the post fight party?

JM: It was wonderful. A victory party and more so for my foundation set up here locally. “The Baby Joe Mesi Fight For Organ Donors”. I’m trying to raise awareness and raise money for people who are waiting for an organ donor. The inspiration for the foundation came from my cousin Genelle who passed away this year. The party was very successful and the foundation is getting on its way.

EL: For people who want to help and make a donation is there a number they can call or an address they can write for information?

JM: Yes there is. You can do it through www.babyjoemesi.com and the number is (716) 858-3712. That is the number for the “Baby Joe Mesi Fight For Organ Donors”. The contact name is Julie Bargnesi. Genelle was only thirty-two years of age. I am an organ donor and I encourage others to become one.

EL: The two names that keep popping up for your next opponent are DaVarryl Williamson and Hasim Rahman. It appears Williamson is the frontrunner. How are things looking at the moment and when will it become official?

JM: I love the Rahman idea. I think it’s more realistic that DaVarryl and I will meet at this time. Rahman is with Don King and I am with Tony Holden and there is a little controversy there. Rahman looks to have another shot at David Tua and that is more lucrative for him. I don’t think it’s realistic at this time as DaVarryl and I will meet on September 27th here in Buffalo on HBO. We will take that fight first and hopefully Rahman or Holyfield after that.

EL: Could the fight with DaVarryl be viewed as too much risk for too little reward? Also if you fought Rahman and lost you would still be a big name as he is the more established fighter.

JM: True, that is very true. I don’t see the fight being that difficult. I would not expect it to be like the Davis fight at all but I don’t view it as much of a risk. We both want to fight and I want to stay active.

EL: I would like to ask what happened in your own words in regards to your departure from SRL?

JM: On our end it was simply the fact that the contract expired on January 1st. They figured we owed them a fourth fight because of the wording in the contract. Their argument was that we didn’t want to fight Michael Grant when that fight was never proposed or offered to me. I never heard anything about that until the contract had already expired.

EL: Some critics feel that you are being protected. Do you agree with that assessment?

JM: I am being protected. That is no secret as I have been pushed along slowly. There will always be criticism no matter what I do but I am prepared for it. I didn’t even put gloves on until I was twenty-one and I was an alternate for the US Olympic team. I’m not thirty-five like DaVarryl, I’m only twenty-nine and entering my prime. I am now at the point where I can start stepping up but I don’t know what the rush is?

EL: Do you feel that as your career progresses and you keep winning that some of the big names in the division will bypass you?

JM: There is a couple of different ways of looking at that. I think that some people will think I am a risk and others will take me lightly like David Izon did. Many of my past opponents thought that they could take me out and they didn’t.

EL: Jean-Francois Bergeron has shown great interest in meeting you. Do you think he would have to beat some name opponents before moving up to the next level?

JM: Well, yeah. I wouldn’t knock or disrespect anyone but I don’t think Bergeron is at that level yet but with a few more victories I would consider it.

EL: In June Eliecer Castillo stopped Lawrence Clay-Bey in the ninth round. Were you surprised?

JM: Very surprised and very shocked. I have a lot of respect for Clay-Bey as we fought three times in the amateurs and he beat me twice. He has natural talent but age is catching up to him.

EL: Should Michael Grant retire after his knockout loss to Dominic Guinn?

JM: I think so. He was given more credit then he deserved and he does not have the confidence or chin. He is very athletic and strong but he should move on. Everybody reaches a certain level before they find they cannot go any further. I believe I will hit that as well although I will be a champ.

EL: Some people perceive you as the next “Great White Hope” and I was wondering if you feel any added pressure from that?

JM: Not really. Some people might think that but I box because I love it. Being perceived as the next “Great White Hope” means to a certain extent eventual failure but I don’t concern myself with that. I just love what I’m doing and I will do my best.

EL: How is your working relationship with your new promoter Tony Holden?

JM: Incredible. I think Tony is certainly one of the best promoters out there. He is very upfront with us and trustworthy.

EL: Is Tony still in contact with Tommy Morrison and if so, how is he doing?

JM: Tommy was at the fight and we sat down and had lunch together. Tommy is taking his medication and is doing very well. He has a new outlook on life and he is in much better shape. Tony and Tommy are very close.

EL: Any comments for your fans?

JM: I would like to thank them and I really appreciate them. I am a huge draw for a non title-holder and it’s because of my fans and their continued support. It’s no secret that I am moving along slowly but my time is coming.

EL: Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview.

JM: Your welcome and thank you.

The address to make a donation to the “Baby Joe Mesi Fight For Organ Donors”

Damon & Morey LLP
C/O Julie Bargnesi
298 Mian Street
Buffalo, NY
14202

www.babyjoemesi.com

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