Nevada medical advisory board upholds Mesi's suspension

Boxing

The medical advisory board of the Nevada State Athletic Commission yesterday upheld the indefinite suspension of heavyweight contender Joe Mesi of Buffalo, N.Y., who was banned from the ring after bleeding on his brain was detected following his win over Vassiliy Jirov on March 13, 2004, in Las Vegas.

Commission director Marc Ratner said the board's 4-0 vote, taken with one of the five members absent because of illness, will be subject to review at hearing May 5.

On that date, the commission will vote to accept or decline the board's recommendation. Since the board's inception in 1983, the commission has never overturned one of its decisions.

Among those representing Mesi, 31, were his father Jack; adviser Bob Spagnola; Dr. Robert Cantu and trainer Juan DeLeon.