joe mesi

[Galaxy]

how good was he? was he close to a title?

Not really. He was bumping up against the lower tier of the top 12 HWs maybe and getting ready to find his permanent level.

He has never lost a fight but that was going to change had he stepped up any. There was plenty to respect him for but he'd not have been able to stand in against the bigger good heavyweights.

But because he was undefeated, good looking, intelligent, well-spoken, community-oriented - and brought boxing back to Buffalo, where folks were very enthusiastic about him - the myth was very easy to generate and maintain for a while.

I think he would have beaten Ruiz. He did stop DaVarryl Williamson in under a minute and Wladimer couldn't hurt him.

I know what your saying but Williamson's chin has always been suspect. It's not always about the power, timing is everything... you know "the shot you don't see coming is the one that gets ya"

[NuthaPug]

But I think Mesi's power was indeed respected - not Tyson-like but still. It was more than just timing.

And I agree that against Ruiz he had winning chances. Against Mercer of 5-6 years ago, no; against Lewis or Wlad, no. Against Foreman in his sleep, no.