By Mark Vester
Undefeated heavyweight contender Joe Mesi (33-0, 26 KOs) is still showing signs of rust and struggling with fighters that two-years ago would have been eaten up in a single round. Since his return to the sport in April, Mesi has appeared less than spectacular. Four fights are in the books since April and Mesi does not appear to be gaining the necessary progress to boost himself back to the same level as the Mesi of 2004.
On the shelf for over two years due to head injuries suffered in his March 2004 bout with Vassily Jirov, which resulted in a medical suspension from the sport. There are many who feel that Mesi will never be the same fighter of old.
The Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan hosted the latest Mesi comeback bout, and local boxing fans saw Mesi score a unanimous four-round decision over local Michigan fighter Jason Weiss (3-2, 2 KOs). Although Mesi swept all four rounds, gaining 40-36 nods across the board from the judges, he had plenty of trouble with Weiss, a fighter with only 4 pro bouts to his credit.
Weiss put a decent fight and scored with good punches throughout the four rounds. Mesi's face showed signs of swelling, especially his eye which could have possibly become a factor if the bout had been longer than four rounds.
Mesi stated that this fight is his last one at four-rounds. He plans to step up the number of rounds in his next bout.