By James Blears
Now that a judge has lifted the ban on Joe Mesi getting back into a boxing ring, who will take responsibility if a tragedy happens?
How can he be allowed to continue with such obvious warning signs already there and screaming at the world of boxing?
Joe’s career should have ended on March 13th 2004. After Vassily Jirov landed an illegal rabbit punch to the back of Joe’s head, the nightmare started. Damaged and dazed by the bar room blow, Joe went down three times in the last two rounds. How he got up and made it to the end I’ll never know. He displayed a caliber of incredible courage to hang on to win. That made him an all time champion and a great in my eyes.
World champions come and go, but displays of raw courage and sheer guts in the face of adversity live in boxing forever.
The damage he suffered was very severe and could have easily have killed him there and then. Two bleeds on the brain or as the specialists say two subdural hematomas were discovered. That damage may have healed, but future blows in the same areas could easily prove fatal.
Joe’s Dad Jack who’s his Trainer, is shouldering an awful responsibility in supporting his son’s return. Nothing is worth his life or permanent incapacity.
The loss of Joe’s life would be an absolute tragedy to his family and many friends. It would also deal a fatal blow to the credibility of boxing. The powers in the sport would not have a leg to stand on.
Few boxers would want the awful responsibility of climbing up into a ring with Joe now. Amazingly Vasilly Jirov who’s career is now on the skids and slide amazingly says he’d be willing to do it.
Whoever sanctions the next Joe Mesi fight must answer for the consequences.
Boxing is a dangerous sport. It’s safety has been considerably improved over the years. Much of that has been a result of common sense, wise judgment and referee’s stepping in one punch too early, rather than one punch too late.
So who’s is going to save Joe Mesi before it’s too late?
