12.09 - In two weeks "HBO After Dark" will introduce a new wave of heavyweight boxing talent to the nation on a show out of Buffalo, New York, which promoters are calling the "Night of the Young Heavyweights."

In the main event, hometown hero Joe Mesi, 26-0, 24 KO's, takes on DaVarryl Williamson, 18-1, 16 KO's, from Aurora, Colorado. Both men earned backup positions on the 1996 U.S. Olympic team as first alternates; Mesi in the super heavyweight class and Williamson in the heavyweight class.

The 29 year old Mesi, (pronounced "Macy"), has a reputation of being one of the best conditioned athletes in boxing today and he said this training camp has been one of his best. "Training has been going great and I am right on pace. It's been perfect. Everything, it couldn't be better."

Some observers have said that it may have been wiser for Mesi to make his HBO debut on the road, in another city, where he wouldn't be under the pressure of the local promotion buildup. Mesi does not agree with the premise.

"No, not really," he said. It might be easier for some people, fighting on the road away from the chaos, but I'm a veteran now, proud to be fighting in my hometown. This will be my 7th or 8th time fighting in Buffalo." Mesi said it has gotten to the point where he would rather fight in Buffalo than anywhere else. "I don't feel the added pressure. I feel the added support, not pressure. I'm very comfortable for me."

Mesi said it's important for him to stay focused on Williamson. "I know how to keep myself distant from any of the hype and all the media and the behind the scene things my team has taken care of," he said. "I'm a veteran at that and there's really no added pressure."

Mesi said he feels very comfortable facing Williamson. He denies reports that he was forced into the fight by HBO, reports allegedly spawned by Williamson and his promoter Lou DiBella. "We are never forced to take any fight. We take the fights we want to take and we wanted to take this one." Mesi said that he and his team chose Williamson because they think he is a good fight, a legitimate next step and HBO loved it. "We have been dying to get on HBO. Williamson was one of the names they presented to us and we jumped on it."

Williamson and Mesi sparred with one another back in the amateurs when both were making their runs at making the Olympic team. Mesi said that back then he was a different fighter and different person. "Now I'm a much more proven fighter and I'm sure even he would agree with that."

On the other hand, Mesi thinks Williamson is pretty much the same fighter he was back then. "He's a good fighter; not a bad fighter. But he's the same. I've improved. I hear it over and over from everyone in boxing, not just here in Buffalo. I'm different with every fight and I'm better every fight. But I can't say the same for him."

Even Mesi's critics have acknowledged that this is a legitimate opportunity for him to gain the respect he has sought. "I can't think about that right now," he said. All I can really do is be ready for DaVarryl. The timing could be good to really silence the critics. But I can't worry about how it's going to happen or when it's going to happen. That could really get you into trouble."

Mesi said he is not looking past Williamson but he is looking forward to getting the fight over. He said he doesn't have his eyes set on anyone else. "I'm just concentrating on this fight and making it be the best one of my career. I always want a knockout and I'm looking to end the fight early," he said. "I don't think judges are going to be needed, that's plain and simple."