By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Heavyweight boxer Baby Joe Mesi returns to the ring April 1st. The Buffalo boxer was suspended from fighting two years ago when doctors discovered bleeding on his brain. But now has been given the okay to return.
"Joe starts April 1st for the last leg of his career, which is going to lead him to a title if we have anything to say about it," said Mesi's father and manager, Jack Mesi.
Despite Baby Joe's brain injury, the elder Mesi said his son has never given up on boxing. A judge lifted a medical suspension allowing him to resume heavyweight boxing. Doctors with the Nevada boxing commission ruled that Baby's Joe's hemorrhage to the brain was too dangerous for him to fight and that it could even threaten his life. But that didn't stop Baby Joe from arguing his case before a judge.
Jack Mesi says he is not concerned as his son gets ready to step back into action.
"My concerns mainly lie with the other guy. I'm afraid we are going to hurt somebody. I have no concerns whatsoever," Mesi said. "If I had any concerns in the slightest degree, I wouldn't be here at all. I haven't had any concerns since five days after the injury originally occurred and my lawyers said protect your rights at all costs."
Baby Joe has been training for the last ten weeks in Puerto Rico where the fight will take place. Jack Mesi says despite his son's time away from fighting, he is better than before his injury.
"He has matured mentally. He understands the road ahead, and the pitfalls. He is better than he was, and is doing subtle things," Mesi said. "It's like a ballet -- the nuances of being in the ring and moving his shoulders and making guys miss. He is better than he was."
Baby Joe will be taking on heavyweight Ron Bellamy in his return to the ring.