The Ringleaders, who are supporters of Buffalo's heavyweight boxer "Baby Joe" Mesi, are part of a long American tradition of business and civic leaders providing hometown support for talented athletes.

A Long American History

One of the best known examples of this long American tradition began 41 years ago, when 18-year-old Cassius Clay returned home to Louisville, Kentucky wearing an Olympic gold medal after winning the light-heavyweight title in Rome, Italy. Soon after, a group of local businessmen became his sponsoring group, raising the funds to cover his travel and training expenses.

Boosted by the efforts of that group, Clay, as Muhammad Ali, went on to have a legendary boxing career.

Mission

The Ringleaders exist to:

• Provide financial support for the training and professional bout expenses of Buffalo's heavyweight boxer, Baby Joe Mesi
• Champion his strong integrity and ethical values
• Ensure that most of his fights are held in the Buffalo Niagara Region
• Revive local interest in boxing
• Attract national sports media coverage to the area
• Encourage Joe's goals throughout his professional career
• Assist in his transition when he leaves professional boxing.

Enter Gene Vukelic

Gene Vukelic, Chairman of Try-It Distributing, became a boxing fan while growing up in Lackawanna. When he learned about the Town of Tonawanda Mesi family and their commitment to Baby Joe's quest to become a world heavyweight boxing champion, he offered to help. Four years ago, Vukelic founded the Ringleaders.

"Our goal is to provide financial support for Joe, who is one of the most dedicated and hardest working athletes I have ever met," Vukelic said. "Boxing is a dangerous, lonely sport, but Joe and his team have been resolute."

Vukelic pointed out that the young boxer's fine character is as noteworthy as his athletic talent. Joe is part of a very close family, he has a strong spiritual belief, and he is currently working on achieving two college degrees.

Joe is a realist," Vukelic said. "He will not hang around this sport for a lifetime. He will know when it is time to leave the ring. One goals of the Ringleaders is to help him prepare for his post-boxing career."

Today, with a 36-0 record, Baby Joe enters the most advanced level of his career with the support of the Ringleaders.