Wisely, Mesi chooses safe opponent

25/02/2006

Wisely, Mesi chooses safe opponent

Although you can't blame him, Joe Mesi's first fight after two years of medical suspension will be against a very safe opponent. For his April 1 comeback date in Puerto Rico, the 29-0 heavyweight has apparently selected Ron Bellamy, according to the Associated Press. Bellamy is 41 years old with a modest 14-4-4 record. His last fight was a loss to someone named Earl Ladson. On the other hand, Mesi sustained at least two subdural hematomas - brain bleeds - in his last fight, a narrow win over Vassiliy Jirov in March 2004, so a tentative first step back for the popular Mesi is not only understandable, its recommended. -Scott Shaffer