Joe Mesi

Early life

Joe grew up in Tonawanda, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. He attended Sweet Home High School in Amherst, New York. He did not start his boxing career until he was about 19 years of age.

Boxing career

He was a New York State Golden Gloves champion, and as an amateur boxer he defeated future two-time Heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. Mesi made it all the way to the finals in the 1996 Olympic Trials, but lost to eventual US heavyweight representative Lawrence Clay-Bey. In Buffalo, for a brief period, Joe was once considered by some to be the city's "third professional franchise", with the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills being the other two. Joe is still often seen at Bills and Sabres games and also supports many local charities.

Philanthropy

In 2002, Mesi started a Non-Profit to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation upon finding out his cousin was in need of a Kidney Transplant, and to help others in the Upstate New York area who needed such surgeries. His Cousin, Ganelle Shanor died in an accident before she was able to receive the operation. In January 2004, Mesi donated $7500 to the Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, New York as a way of giving back to the Rochester community and to promote an upcoming fight at the Blue Cross Arena, with Kidney Transplant recipient Dillon Gonzalez and his family in attendance. The foundation was funded in part by admission fees to victory parties.

Injury and suspension

Mesi's promising boxing career was set back greatly when an MRI indicated he had suffered at least one, perhaps two subdural hematomas

The injuries came from a 2004 bout with former cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov. In round 9, Mesi was knocked down from a right hook and in the tenth round he was knocked down two more times. Mesi managed to finish the fight on his feet and 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 commission, but they ignored it and suspended him. The suspension effectively blacklisted him from boxing anywhere in the United States under the premise of the full faith and credit clause. 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.

Joe Mesi has one of the longest active undefeated professional boxing records in the world for a heavyweight. Ranked #1 heavyweight contender by the WBC prior to his two-year layoff, Mesi was #16 in the December 2007 rankings. He has not actively boxed since 2007, having instead turned to politics.

Political career

On February 14, 2008, Mesi publicly expressed his interest to run for the New York State Senate. He attempted to fill the 61st District seat vacated by Mary Lou Rath. He won the Democratic primary for the seat on September 9, 2008. Mesi lost the general election to Republican Michael Ranzenhofer.

Most recently, Joe has taken a position with the Democratic Senate Majority heading up a local Buffalo liaison office. Mesi's name was circulated as a potential Democratic candidate to replace the retiring Jim Hayes in the New York State Assembly. The assembly seat was won by Raymond Walter.

Accomplishments