“Got laughed at when I said I will become a pro boxer.” – Those were the words posted by heavyweight prospect Joseph Mesi Jr. earlier this year as he looked back on his journey into the professional ranks.
The son of former heavyweight contender Joe Mesi has also revealed he once weighed 345 pounds and battled depression and suicidal thoughts before turning his life around.
Today, Mesi Jr. stands 3-0 as a professional and one victory away from helping his family reach a perfect 40-0 combined record.
Father and son heavyweights
The elder Mesi retired from boxing in 2007 with an unbeaten 36-0 record after a career that once appeared destined for a world title shot.
As World Boxing News previously detailed when revisiting Mesi’s career, the Buffalo heavyweight became one of boxing’s great what-if stories after medical issues derailed his rise just as he reached the brink of contention.
Despite never getting the opportunity to fight for a world title, Mesi walked away perfect with 29 knockouts and victories over names including Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson and former cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov.
For years, that 36-0 mark sat untouched. Now, it has a second chapter.
Perfect 40-0
Joseph Mesi Jr. made his professional debut in October 2024 and has already compiled a 3-0 record with two stoppage victories.
The 31-year-old heavyweight is scheduled to return on July 14 in Rochester against an opponent to be named.
A victory would move the combined father-son record to 40-0.
Few boxing families have ever carried an unbeaten heavyweight record this far.
Many sons have followed famous fathers into the sport. Few have done so carrying an ‘0’ that remained intact for almost two decades before getting the opportunity to continue it.
Different meaning
The younger Mesi’s social media post looks very different today.
The same man who says he was laughed at for wanting to become a professional boxer has already overcome obstacles far greater than skepticism.
Mesi Jr. has previously spoken about weighing 345 pounds and battling depression and suicidal thoughts before finding direction through boxing.
Three wins into his career, he is no longer trying to prove he belongs in the sport.
Instead, he is attempting to extend a family record that seemed finished when his father retired.
One more victory would move the Mesis to a perfect 40-0.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
