"Gene is an avid fan and historian of boxing and that impressed me very much," the undefeated heavyweight boxer said. "He knows more facts about boxing than I ever did and it has always been interesting for me to talk with him about the history of this sport."

Gene Vukelic
Chairman of Try-It Distributing Co.

"Baby Joe" Mesi considers himself very lucky to have local business leader, Gene Vukelic, Chairman of Try-It Distributing Co., Inc. in his corner.

"Gene is an avid fan and historian of boxing and that impressed me very much," the undefeated heavyweight boxer said. "He knows more facts about boxing than I ever did and it has always been interesting for me to talk with him about the history of this sport."

Vukelic entered Mesi's camp when the family was at a financial crossroads. Jack Mesi, Joe's dad and manager, had decided early in his son's career they would remain independent rather than signing away most of Baby Joe's earnings to a top promoter. Additionally, most of the promoters they had spoken with in the past insisted they move elsewhere for training - something neither of them wanted to do.

Deals with promoters had always broken down because of their two points. However, the road to becoming a Heavyweight Boxing Champion is an expensive one for a family that did not have deep personal resources.

Enter Gene Vukelic as a Team Mesi Member

"His willingness to assist us and his aggressiveness to help me work towards my goals has made me very happy," Baby Joe said. "Gene is a very special person and his is so important to me and our team because he has been able to keep us in Buffalo."

"He saw we were struggling financially and for him to step up and do what he did is amazing. I owe him so much," the young fighter continued. "He believed in my goal and while no one else around here was willing to step up and help us, Gene did that and more."

As well as starting the Ringleaders with Charlie Chiampou, a partner with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP, Vukelic has become an inspirational support to Joe and his father on their quest through the Heavyweight Division.

Buffalo is and Always will be Home

"He has given us the support to stay here in our hometown with family and friends, who are the most important people in my life," Mesi said. "I did not want to be forced to move away from the city I love."

"If moving was the only way I could pursue my goal, I would have reluctantly left. That's how important this goal is to me. It is because of Gene that I am able to stay here and because of him I now have this kind of notoriety and popularity here."

Baby Joe also has plans to remain here once he moves up the rankings ladder and once he completes his professional career.

"I love to travel," he said, "but my home will always be in Western New York because of the support from my fans, Gene, the Ringleaders and especially my family. How could I leave Buffalo. I am Buffalo-born and raised and I will always have a home here."