Joe Mesi vs Oleg Maskaev

[2128778]

This fight was discussed back in 2003, when Mesi was on the rise and Maskaev was going thru rebuilding process after his 2002 loss to Corey Sanders.

Who would've won between Mesi and Maskaev?

[gilgamesh]

Could've been anybody's fight really at that point in time, but it would've been a risky step up for Mesi for sure. Maybe a step too far. As bad as Jirov and Barrett hurt Mesi it's hard to imagine that Maskaev couldn't do the same thing.

[2128778]

Could've been anybody's fight really at that point in time, but it would've been a risky step up for Mesi for sure. Maybe a step too far. As bad as Jirov and Barrett hurt Mesi it's hard to imagine that Maskaev couldn't do the same thing.

Yes, I hear you. Historically, Maskaev is a more accomplished and, perhaps, better fighter than Mesi.

At the same time, these two could make for an intriguing match-up.

Maskaev was chinny. And was pron to getting caught cold early on. He needed time to get into a groove.

And Mesi (for all his limitations) was exactly the type of a fighter, who could've exploited these weaknesses. He was a fast starter. If we take his best opponents - he was able to hurt them all at the early stage:

- Completely blasted Davarryl Williamson out in one round;
- wobbled Monty Barrett several times and dropped him - all within the first five rounds;
- was overwhelming Jirov for the majority of the first 6-7 rounds.

The repeat of the Williamson fight scenario is very much possible here. Like Maskaev, Williamson was overall the better fighter than Mesi. But wasn't given a chance to show it. Same could've happened to Maskaev.

However, if Maskaev survives the early storm - the fight is likely his for the taking.

[gilgamesh]

Could've been anybody's fight really at that point in time, but it would've been a risky step up for Mesi for sure. Maybe a step too far. As bad as Jirov and Barrett hurt Mesi it's hard to imagine that Maskaev couldn't do the same thing.

Yes, I hear you. Historically, Maskaev is a more accomplished and, perhaps, better fighter than Mesi.

At the same time, these two could make for an intriguing match-up.

Maskaev was chinny. And was pron to getting caught cold early on. He needed time to get into a groove.

And Mesi (for all his limitations) was exactly the type of a fighter, who could've exploited these weaknesses. He was a fast starter. If we take his best opponents - he was able to hurt them all at the early stage:

- Completely blasted Davarryl Williamson out in one round;
- wobbled Monty Barrett several times and dropped him - all within the first five rounds;
- was overwhelming Jirov for the majority of the first 6-7 rounds.

The repeat of the Williamson fight scenario is very much possible here. Like Maskaev, Williamson was overall the better fighter than Mesi. But wasn't given a chance to show it. Same could've happened to Maskaev.

However, if Maskaev survives the early storm - the fight is likely his for the taking.

Yeah I had thought the same thing. Definitely a chance of a Mesi-Williamson repeat here if Mesi catches Maskaev early which as you say has been known to happen to Maskaev. He's survived early rounds against better fighters than Mesi I think, but Mesi was certainly a fast starter.

What happens in those first few rounds determines the fight really, Mesi either wins it there or he likely comes apart in the 2nd half.

[Seamus]

Going back, I think I got it a little bit wrong about Mesi. He was better than I remembered. I rewatched his fight with Barrett and had him winning by 4. He suffered a flash knockdown but boxed his way out of it. Against Jirov he may have had some extenuating circumstances. Was the rabbit punch on the first knockdown a major factor ? If it was maybe Mesi wins more comfortably. Maskaev could be dangerous but he also got stopped by Whittaker and Sanders who I'd rate below Baby Joe. So, I think the possibility that Mesi catches the Russian early and kayos him is maybe 50/50, but if Maskaev makes into the 2nd half it might well go the other way.

[2128778]

Going back, I think I got it a little bit wrong about Mesi. He was better than I remembered. I rewatched his fight with Barrett and had him winning by 4. He suffered a flash knockdown but boxed his way out of it. Against Jirov he may have had some extenuating circumstances. Was the rabbit punch on the first knockdown a major factor ? If it was maybe Mesi wins more comfortably. Maskaev could be dangerous but he also got stopped by Whittaker and Sanders who I'd rate below Baby Joe. So, I think the possibility that Mesi catches the Russian early and kayos him is maybe 50/50, but if Maskaev makes into the 2nd half it might well go the other way.

I hear you. I haven't yet rewatched the Jirov or Barrett fight. But I'm planning to.

From what I remember - Jirov was in formidable shape. And was still in good regards after that Toney fight. But Mesi was able to outwork him thru first 6-7 rounds. I think, it was overall a fine showing against a skilled operator.

But Mesi wouldn't have been a favourite against any of the beltholders of that time period (Klitschko, Ruiz, Byrd, Brewster).

[scorpio83]

At best, Maskaev would outwork Baby Joe Mesi to either take a decision or stopping him late.