By Bill Calogero (Photo © Ed Mulholland / FightWireImages.com)

The controversy continues concerning "Baby" Joe Mesi and whether or not he should be boxing. The “Major” Commissions say NO. Papa Jack Mesi, Baby Joe Mesi and “their” doctors say YES. The truth of the matter, in my opinion is simple. If he is subjected to tests ordered by a commission approved doctor and PASSES, then there should be absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to perform in the ring. End of story.

However, if he were ONLY going by his own doctors, or a specific test result that he comes into town with, or fails tests issued through commission approved doctors, then I too would say it’s a major concern for his safety and think twice about letting him continue as a professional boxer.

Nonetheless, after watching Joe Mesi take 40-year-Old George Linberger out with a first round TKO to improve to 34-0 (27 KOs), I couldn’t help but wonder where he really stands in the Heavyweight picture. Listening to him after the fight, he STILL believes he’s the best Heavyweight out there. Based on the level of his competition not only last night, but throughout his entire professional career, I’m not too sure about a statement like that.

Joe Mesi is a fan favorite, especially in the Buffalo, NY area. I have never seen such support for a boxer in the last fifteen years or so as is the case with him. It has reminded me of an interview I did with Joe back on November 15, 2001. It was a great piece and was picked up by everyone on the Internet as well as several newspapers and magazines.

With that said, I felt it may be of some interest to boxing fans out there who have an opinion (either way) on Joe Mesi and his career. With that said, I have decided to bring it out of the archives and let today’s fans see how Baby Joe and his team were thinking over six years ago and compare it to today’s debate on whether or not he should be allowed to continue his boxing career.

Below, please find the interview I did with Joe Mesi and his team as it appeared on November, 2001:

Baby Joe Mesi Q & A.

On Friday, November 15, 2001, I met up with Team Mesi at “A Salute to the Great Sport of Boxing” fundraiser for the Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, NY. It was held at the Fair Grounds in Syracuse, NY. After a busy evening, which included meeting boxing Greats, Carmen Basilio, Joe Miceli, George Chuvalo and Bert Sugar, combined with some unique stories, memories, a collection of action packed fights from yesteryear, a silent auction, and great food, all thanks to Ed Brophy Executive Director Of The Boxing Hall Of Fame, I found myself getting ready to jump into a limousine with part of Team Mesi.

The plan was to interview Baby Joe to help kick off TheDailySports.com’s new boxing section, And In This Corner…., which features “Future Champions” of boxing. In the car was Joe Mesi, his Dad (and Manager), his Trainer Juan DeLeon, his photographer and myself. We were heading to Buffalo, NY where in the morning I would get the chance to trail Joe during his training. I knew by seeing him fight, he had the skills inside the ring to become a Champion.

I was wondering if he was a Champion outside of the ring as well. I had noticed earlier in the evening something that made me know that my upcoming interview would unveil how truly unique Joe Mesi is. At one point, Ed Brophy was speaking and mentioned that all of the guests (which included Joe Mesi) would come up and speak after the movie clips.

As the show went on, I noticed Baby Joe writing on the back of his program. Then his Dad, Jack Mesi started doing the same. At first I thought they were taking notes on the fights we were watching. After the film clips were over, I saw what they had been writing down. They were writing down speech notes. When Joe stood up and said his thing for a few minutes, followed by his Dad, they both stole the show. With the exception of the Stand-up comedy routine by George Chuvalo, they drew attention as their statements really struck home with everyone in attendance.

I knew one thing right there about Joe and his Dad; they were intelligent. That alone was going to make this interview a little easier. I compiled a list of questions I felt the “regular” person would want to know about Joe Mesi. Equipped with a hand held tape recorder and the questions I jumped into the limo. As we started driving away I said I wanted to ask Joe a few questions with the tape recorder running. Joe says let’s go for it. We were all loose, a little tired, and there was a sense of comfort in the air. I hit record, and here’s what happened:

BoxingScene.com: Tell me about your family.

Joe Mesi: They are all right here! (Baby Joe points to his Dad, Jack Mesi and his Trainer Juan DeLeon.) There are two boys, my older brother, Tom (he is 2 ½ years older than Baby Joe is), and me. Tom is the reason I started boxing. We are very close.

BoxingScene.com: Does he box?

Joe Mesi: He doesn’t box anymore. We started together. We did everything together. We played the same sports: football, wrestling, baseball, skiing, swimming, I mean we did everything together. We both loved boxing. He was the reason I starting boxing. It was his idea. He said, “Lets go to a boxing gym” and I followed him there, like I followed him everywhere in the World. That’s how I started boxing.

BoxingScene.com: When was the first time you laced on a pair of gloves?

Joe Mesi: I was twenty years old.

Jack Mesi: That’s when he started seriously. He was boxing in the basement when he was six years old.

Joe Mesi: We asked for boxing gloves for Christmas as kids.

BoxingScene.com: You guys probably fought many times growing up (Dad Mesi Laughs).

Joe Mesi: We were aggressive kids. My Grandfather had boxed, Jack’s Father, Tom Mesi. He was National Champion 1929, my Uncle Russell boxed, he was a Golden Gloves Champion. Because they boxed, we heard all of their stories as kids which made us fans but in school, we didn’t even know you could become a boxer. We just played our sports, football, baseball, never once thinking we would become boxers…..we just did it in the basement. We laced on the gloves and beat each other up. My Mother hated it.

BoxingScene.com: When did you decide to become a Boxer?

Joe Mesi: After I graduated from High School, I wasn’t playing any sports. I went to a small Catholic College where there were no sports.

BoxingScene.com: Not even football?

Joe Mesi: Nothing.

Jack Mesi: It was formally an all girl’s school, run by the Gray Nuns Of The Sacred Heart. They had just turned co-ed when Joe started going there.

Joe Mesi: I was going to school to become a teacher. It is something I always wanted to do, and will still do. My entire family is either a Teacher or a Police Officer. I figured I would do one of the two. So here I was, going to school, studying, working waiting on tables and bar tending, and I realized I was out of shape. Remember, I had always played sports all through High School. My brother said, let’s look into a boxing gym.

BoxingScene.com: I see, kill two birds with one stone! Do something you love like boxing and get into shape at the same time.

Joe Mesi: Actually that was the point. I never thought I would become a boxer. We thought we would hit the bags, work up a sweat and get into shape.

BoxingScene.com: Tell me a little about your Amateur career.

Joe Mesi: It was what I call a quick amateur career. I started boxing when I was twenty; I turned pro when I was 23 or 24 on 11-02-1997. It happened so quickly! After I got into a little better shape, we (Joe and his brother Tom) got our amateur licensees and started competing. Before I knew it, I was 15 & 0, Tom was undefeated, we both were winning the Golden Gloves and I thought, hey…I’m doing pretty good. Let’s try and go a littler farther. I started boxing, amateur full time in 1996 when the Olympics came around. I stopped working and started training with Juan. My Dad took on the role as Manager, we formed our TEAM and started traveling around to try and make the Olympics in 1996. We were part of Team USA and represented the US in International tournaments. I started getting a little higher in the rankings, getting into the top ten, then the top five to the top three in the amateurs in the US. That all happened in a year and a half.

BoxingScene.com: Were there any deciding factor that helped you turn pro? Did you feel you weren’t getting anything else out of being an amateur?

Joe Mesi: You can only go so far as an Amateur. What do you do after the Olympics? I tried to make the Olympics. I fell short by one fight, a loss to Lawrence Clay Bey. We had a choice to either attempt to make the Olympics in four years or turn Professional. My Dad left the decision in my hands and even added another option, quit boxing. I thought to wait until I would be 28 (for the next Olympics) would be too risky. I love boxing. I love to box. I fought about twenty more amateur fights, and then I turned pro.

BoxingScene.com: Who was your first opponent as a Pro?

Joe Mesi: Duane Lee Cason. He was 1-1, a big tough kid. We fought in Harlem, NY at the Apollo Theatre on the HBO under card of Lou Saverese vs David Izon on November 1, 1997.

Jack Mesi: Joey was in the FIRST fight ever held at the Apollo Theatre and was the first KO.

BoxingScene.com: Do you remember how you felt before your first pro fight?

Joe Mesi: Was I nervous Juan?

Juan DeLeon: Well, you asked me for the Head Gear….(everyone laughs).

Joe Mesi: I’ll tell you what. I had about 70 amateur fights, I never really get nervous about much, I am a very low-key guy, but I never was as nervous as I was before that fight!

BoxingScene.com: I guess being nervous was an understatement.

Joe Mesi: Two rounds later, it was over and I realized it was no different than any other fight. There is no reason to ever get that nervous. Now before a fight, I get the normal “butterflies” but nothing like that first fight.

BoxingScene.com: What are your thoughts on Women’s Boxing?

Joe Mesi: I am not a huge fan of it. I don’t really watch it too often. It’s the year 2001, equal rights are so important, I am glad Women have the opportunity. I wouldn’t want my daughter to become a boxer but that’s just my opinion. There are a lot of good Woman boxers out there.

BoxingScene.com: I hear you there. I have two Daughters. On one hand I am glad they have the opportunity if they wanted to, but I am not sure if I would want them to get into it. I do feel it is important that the opportunity is there.

BoxingScene.com: After that first fight, a KO, how did you feel?

Joe Mesi: I remember feeling great. I was so excited to be 1 & 0, being a professional boxer. It was a great feeling. I remember thinking, I can’t believe it! I am a professional athlete. This is great. I feel that way after EVERY fight.

BoxingScene.com: How do you feel before a fight? What is going through your mind?

Joe Mesi: I don’t feel that nervous. I am not one of those guys who feel nervous days before a fight. I get the normal jitters just before, but like I said earlier, I am a low key kind of guy. I don’t let things get to me. I am always confident because we work so hard. I ask myself in the locker room before we warm up: “What else could I have done to prepare for this fight?” So far every time I can look at myself in the mirror and honestly say that I did everything I possibly could to prepare for this fight. I will never say, I should have done this, or that. I have no excuses.

BoxingScene.com: What kind of research do you do on your next opponent?

Joe Mesi: Film is the only thing you can do. I can’t believe that some guys don’t review film if it is available. You get to see his strengths and weaknesses, his conditioning, what his style is and his tendencies. I am a big fan of film. I consider myself an adaptable fighter. If I see from film I have to box, I can box. If I need to go toe to toe, I can do that. Whatever it takes to win. 

BoxingScene.com: To date, who was your toughest opponent and why?

Joe Mesi: This question is asked a lot. Then my question is what, amateur or pro?

BoxingScene.com: Pro. What I mean is, in YOUR opinion, who was your toughest opponent. It does not have to be the longest fight, or your last fight, or first fight. What was your toughest fight to go through?

Joe Mesi: I would say Bert Cooper. He was my biggest test. Even though he was past his prime, he was the most dangerous because he is a hard puncher.

BoxingScene.com: What about Jorge Luis Gonzalez?

Joe Mesi: Gonzalez was a different kind of dangerous. After the fight, he didn’t seem as dangerous. But with Cooper, after the first 30 seconds of the fight, I knew that he was dangerous because he reminded me by hurting me in the first round. After a punch, I felt my knees buckle a bit. So I say Cooper because the last thing to go on a puncher is power and he had plenty of power. To me, Bert Cooper was my toughest to date. I always tell people that I would rather fight guys that are 250 verses fighting pumped up cruiserweights. The lighter guys move around too much. To me, it’s easier to fight a bigger guy.

BoxingScene.com: Were you ever hurt or stunned? I know you mentioned that Bert Cooper hurt you. Tell me about it, how did you feel and what did you do after realizing you were hurt?

Joe Mesi: As far as my Pro fights, I have been hurt a couple of times. People don’t even know when I am hurt except Juan. Juan knows when I am hurt because he knows me so well. After a fight, when we are watching the tape, I see a point where I was hurt and I ask Juan, “Hey Juan, did you know I was hurt right there?” He knows when because he knows me so well. Not even my Dad knows when I am hurt during a fight. I can think of two or three times, as a pro, I was hurt whether people knew it or not I don’t know. I think I take a punch well. I have only been down once in my entire career (Amateur & Pro) and that was against Lawrence Clay Bey.

BoxingScene.com: How did you react after being hurt?

Joe Mesi: I felt fine. I always come into a fight in great shape. Based on your condition, your recovery powers work better. The better shape you are in, the faster you recover. The worst was in the Bert Cooper fight. Within 8 or 9 seconds, I felt fresh again. As a matter of fact, I think I even won the round.

BoxingScene.com: Give me an idea of YOU…something about your Childhood that sticks out, a memory or story about Baby Joe Mesi as a kid growing up.

Joe Mesi: I don’t know of a story in mind. As a child, I think no one would have ever guessed that I would be a pro fighter based on the type of kid I was. I followed my older brother around. His friends were my friends. I always played sports. I was good, but not the best of the group. I think people who knew me as a child, would think I would have never have been a Pro Boxer, let alone be as good as I am. I was always small, short, chubby…not the best……(Dad..Jack Mesi chimes in)

Jack Mesi: Joey suffers from the same thing I did growing up. It’s called the “Younger Brother Syndrome”. You have got to remember, Joey was hanging with kids two years older than him and he was still one of the best all around athletes.

BoxingScene.com: I have two younger brothers. Sitting here listening to him (Baby Joe) I see my own Brother! My Brother Chris is 5 years younger than me. He hung around with us and would compete. He was better than I could ever be. It sounds like Baby Joe.

Jack Mesi: Joey is too humble. Here’s the deal, when he was hanging around with his brother, who was naturally a good athlete, he hung in there and was better than everyone else but Tommy. So he was the second best out of everyone. He was also two years younger than everyone else too.

BoxingScene.com: Being Italian, and White, do you feel you are a minority in Boxing? 

Joe Mesi: It’s a fact I am a minority. I don’t box because I am White. I box because I love the sport. I don’t think being White benefits me. As a matter of fact, it hurts me. I am not trying to be the “White Hope” like people have said. It’s almost like people are waiting for me to fail because I am White. When I become Champion, I will be Champion of all people. It won’t matter what color they are. We are all equal in the eyes of God.

BoxingScene.com: What is your best memory in the ring to date?

Joe Mesi: Defeating Lawrence Clay-Bey in the Olympic Box-Offs.

BoxingScene.com: What is your best memory out side of the ring?

Joe Mesi: That is a good question………..That’s tough. (a long pause)…I don’t know. That’s a tough question.

BoxingScene.com: Do you want to go back to this one?

Joe Mesi: Yes

BoxingScene.com: What are your goals as a boxer?

Joe Mesi: To become Champion of the World. I really have several goals in boxing. The first of course is to be World Champion. I break things down. My first goal now is to break into the top ten. Once I accomplish that, I want a title shot. Long term, in boxing, I want to change the image of boxing. I want to draw new fans to the sport, more women as fans, elderly people…I was walking in the mall the other day and two nuns came up to me and said they were fans. Right now, the image is not good. I want to help change that like Oscar De Le Hoya and Sugar Ray Leonard. They have done a lot of good for boxing in general.

BoxingScene.com:  Like I said to your Dad, to me, you are a breath of fresh air for Boxing.

BoxingScene.com: What are your goals after boxing?

Joe Mesi: To finish my degree and become a teacher and to further promote good for boxing.

BoxingScene.com: What was your favorite fight, to watch?

Joe Mesi: I like all of the Ali-Frazier fights…all three. I think they were the best trilogy of fights in the history of boxing. I have become more of a Fraizer fan since I saw the HBO special on the Ali-Frazier story. After seeing that, I love Joe Frazier.

BoxingScene.com: Personally, I have always liked the Haggler-Hearns fight. That was one of my all time favorites. What do you think of the Lewis-Rahman II fight coming up? I already have a bet with Juan. He says Lewis, I say Rahman.

Joe Mesi: In my opinion, it has the makings of being a great fight. I give Rahman more of a chance than most people are but I won’t be surprised if Rahman wins by a KO, or if Lewis wins by a KO, or if either one wins by decision. It would not surprise me with either outcome. It should be a great fight because Lewis has a lot to prove while Rahman have developed a lot of confidence since knocking out Lewis in the first fight. I give the upper hand to Lewis.

BoxingScene.com: What is your take on Tyson?

Joe Mesi: Mike Tyson is one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time. You have got to respect him, even though he has changed recently. I think he is still a threat in the heavyweight division. He is the strongest heavyweight out there; therefore he must be considered a major threat. However, he is not what he used to be. He is not as aggressive, and I think someone like me, with my style can beat him. I think I can beat Tyson.

BoxingScene.com: Aside from a title shot, who would you want to fight the most?

Joe Mesi: Anyone out there. I would love to fight Rahman because I beat him in the Amateurs; I would love to fight Holyfield just because he is one of the greatest and would love to beat him in the ring. I guess I would love to fight Tyson. He is one of the greatest and hardest punchers in the sport. A match with him would be great.

BoxingScene.com: What could you do to help the Heavyweight Division?

Joe Mesi: Basically, when I win the World Heavyweight Title, the division will be helped right off the bat because of the things I do outside of the ring, it will help the Heavyweight division.

BoxingScene.com: I know you give a lot back to the community, tell me what you do.

Joe Mesi: I work with several different charities doing a lot of community work. I do it because of a lot or reasons. One is I realize that I have been blessed to do what I do so I have to give something back. I can’t be selfish. My Mother was sick most of her life, my cousin Genelle is waiting for a kidney transplant so these are two close reasons why I feel I need to give back, to do different things. I have worked with Children’s Hospital, so I can help and spend time with the sick kids. I do things with Roswell Park Cancer Institute because my Mom had cancer, which drove me to help with the fight against cancer. I work with the National Kidney Foundation to help others like my cousin Genelle. I work with programs against drug and alcohol abuse to help fight drugs and keep kids drug free. I work with the Make a Wish Foundation and the list goes on and on. After a fight, I usually get a couple of weeks off. During this time, I spend as much time with all of the charities that I possibly can. I spread myself around.

Jack Mesi: He spreads himself too thin. His main problem is he just can’t say no.

Joe Mesi: You can’t say no! It is mostly for the kids. How can I say no?

BoxingScene.com: What do you think your fan’s expectations of you are?

Joe Mesi: My true, loyal fans, are behind me all of the way. I think they expect me and have confidence in me to become World Champion.

BoxingScene.com: Do you play or are you involved in any other sports now?

Joe Mesi: No. They will get mad at me!

Jack Mesi: No. He is not allowed.

Joe Mesi: I want to go skiing, play in a softball league……

Jack Mesi: No way!

Joe Mesi: My Father won’t let me do nothing! He is afraid I will get hurt. He doesn’t even want me to walk across the street because he is afraid I will get hit by a car. (Everyone laughs)

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite NFL Football Team?

Joe Mesi: The Buffalo Bills.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite NFL Player?

Joe Mesi: Joe Montana was one of my all-time favorites, but currently playing my favorite is Doug Flutie. He may not be the best, but I enjoy the way he plays the game.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite NBA Team?

Joe Mesi: I would say the Bulls.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite NBA Player?

Joe Mesi: Michael Jordan.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite NHL team?

Joe Mesi: I am just becoming a big Hockey Fan. I like the Buffalo Sabres. I never played it, never watched it, but I am really getting into it now. I can’t handle a stick, I can’t skate. All I know is Boxers are much better looking than Hockey players are!

BoxingScene.com: What are your hobbies, or any other interests outside of the ring?

Joe Mesi: I go to school. After boxing (training), doing my community work, I spend a lot time going to school. I just graduated from Erie Community College and now hope to go on to Empire State College to complete my degree to become a Teacher.

Jack Mesi: He was on the National Dean and Honor Lists with straight A’s.

BoxingScene.com: What do you do to relax during training, before a fight, and in your leisure?

Joe Mesi: During training, not much. I relax by watching tapes of my opponents with Juan. I don’t do much. I stay in the house or hotel. I conserve my energy. I do homework, nap, and watch film. I read a lot. In between fights, I eat!

BoxingScene.com: Who is the most important person in your life and why?

Joe Mesi: There is not just one. There are many important people in my life but if I have to say one, I would have to divide it into three. They are my Father, Brother and my best friend in the world, Juan. He is my trainer but I don’t even think of him as that anymore. Now he is just my best friend. Then there is TEAM Mesi, Mike, Jeff, Joe, and Chuck. Then there is my entire Family, and the Ringleaders. Without them, I would not be here talking to you right now.

BoxingScene.com: Is there a place that you have never visited that you want to visit?

Joe Mesi: Italy.

BoxingScene.com: If you weren’t a professional boxer, what would you be?

Joe Mesi: A Teacher or a Cop.

BoxingScene.com: Describe your relationship with your Dad. Do you have a DAD relationship and a MANAGER relationship?

Joe Mesi: There is no manger/boxer relationship here. My Dad is my Dad. I can kick his ass now, but I love him.

BoxingScene.com: Just remember Dad knows you have to sleep sometime!

BoxingScene.com:  (To Jack Mesi) So, let me get this straight, your two sons team up and kick the shit out of you? 

Jack Mesi: They abuse me so! (Everyone laughs) We have broken every stick of furniture in the house.

Joe Mesi: When we decided to form Team Mesi, Dad was the Manager, Juan was the Trainer and I was the boxer. If it ever got bad, or strained any of our relationships, we would end it right there.

BoxingScene.com: What do you think of yourself as a fighter and a person?

Joe Mesi: I am fabulous.

BoxingScene.com: Directed to Jack: You need to get Joey some help with his self-esteem problem!

Joe Mesi: I am great to be around!

BoxingScene.com: How do other people perceive you?

Joe Mesi: As a fighter, a work in progress. There is always room for improvement. I think I am pretty good now and I can’t wait to see home much better I will be in a year or so.

Jack Mesi: Just recently he realized he has reached another level. I am not a kid in the Heavyweight division. I am ranked in the top 15 now.

BoxingScene.com: I can see where you will start to have trouble-finding people who are willing to fight you.

Joe Mesi: That is what I see now. People are trying to avoid me now. As a person, I am shy. I seem to be better when more people are around. I feel more comfortable.

BoxingScene.com: What could you achieve that would make you feel complete?

Joe Mesi: Well first, I want to become World Champion. Right now, it is on the top of my list. I am not sure if these guys, even my Dad know I have compiled a list of things I not only want to achieve, but WILL achieve before I die. It is not a long list but number one is becoming the World Heavyweight Champion, Graduate from College is another. I want to run a marathon, I want to sky dive, write a book, I am going to take piano lessons and a lot of other things. Those are the main ones on my list. I need to accomplish all of the things on my list. If I miss even one before I die, I will be pissed.

BoxingScene.com: If it were a perfect world, which we know it is not, how would things go for you from this day forward?

Joe Mesi: If everything went perfect, I would continue to win every fight, with zero setbacks, zero injuries, zero bad days, undefeated, become champion and break Marciano’s record, change boxing’s image and retire on top and become a ring announcer working side by side with the best of them.

BoxingScene.com: I want to ask you some basic questions that I think people may want to know. What is your favorite food?

Joe Mesi: Ravioli.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite music artist?

Joe Mesi: I like a lot of music. I go from Tupak, Garth Brooks, to Tori Amos, to Elvis…I like it all.

BoxingScene.com: What is your favorite color?

Joe Mesi: Red.
BoxingScene.com: What is your favorite TV Show?

Joe Mesi: Friends.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite celebrity, aside from yourself?

Joe Mesi: Jennifer Love Hewitt.

BoxingScene.com: What is your favorite car.

Joe Mesi: A Lexus.

BoxingScene.com: What is your favorite place?

Joe Mesi: Buffalo, NY.

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite Actor?

Joe Mesi: John Travolta

BoxingScene.com: Who is your favorite actress?

Joe Mesi: Jennifer Love Hewitt.

BoxingScene.com: Who do you think is “Drop Dead Gorgeous”?

Joe Mesi: My Girlfriend, Jennifer.

BoxingScene.com: What is your favorite Movie?

Joe Mesi: Pulp Fiction.

BoxingScene.com: Lets go back to the question from before…What is your best memory outside of the ring?

Joe Mesi: I have a lot of things. Graduating from High School but I would say my Brothers Wedding is one of the best aside from some special days I spent with my Mother.

BoxingScene.com: Is there anything else you want to add?

Joe Mesi: I feel very honored to carry the Olympic Torch through Buffalo on New Years Eve this year on it’s way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics. I can’t wait for that.

BoxingScene.com: Well, if that’s it, I don’t want to bore you anymore. I really appreciate this interview……..Thanks.

Joe Mesi: Thank you…this was fun.