The road to becoming a Heavyweight Boxing Champion is an expensive one for a family that did not have deep personal resources. Gene Vukelic, Chairman of Try-It Distributing, extended a helping hand to Baby Joe Mesi and his team when relocation appeared the only option. In fact, organizing local business and community leaders appears to be a natural reflex for Gene.

In 1998 the Ringleaders officially threw their hat in the ring for hometown fighter, Baby Joe. A boxing aficionado and active community sponsor, Gene Vukelic has proven time and time again to be an extremely valuable (ring) leader.