Meet Mesiah Nimo, a promising young boxer who will represent Team USA’s Youth High Performance Team at the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships in the 65 kg weight class. While Nimo has experienced tremendous success over the years, his path to the boxing ring was shaped by many obstacles that extend outside of the ropes.
Nimo's journey began when he was just seven years old, motivated by two reasons. The first was his struggle with being overweight and weighing around 100 pounds at such a young age. The second reason was the motivation to protect his mother, Jocelyn Smith, from domestic violence she faced at the hands of his stepfather.
Growing up, Nimo witnessed the pain and turmoil in their home and made a promise to himself and his mother at a young age that when he was old enough, he would do everything in his power to protect her from harm.
“I always told myself when I get old enough, I will protect her and that won’t ever happen again,” Mesiah states. “It was out of my control at that young age. I was determined to protect her from anything, so I got into boxing.”
Since then, Nimo and his stepdad are on good terms, and he has since stopped his actions.
Nimo has become one of USA Boxing’s dominant boxers as he would go on to win the 2023 USA Boxing National Championship after winning won three consecutive Junior Olympic Championships.
His success didn’t come easy, however, as he had to hurdle more obstacles that were thrown his way. Nimo admitted his biggest challenge was a bout of depression that he faced one year ago, a challenge that threatened to derail his dreams and aspirations. He credits his family as a crucial support system and role in overcoming these hard times.
Boxing became more than a sport for Nimo, it offered him a space to clear his mind and focus solely on the moment in front of him and the task at hand. Lacing up his gloves was not just about training; it was about reclaiming his mental fortitude.
“I was looking to dominate every day,” he says. “The boxing gym was sometimes the only place I could clear my head and not think about anything. It was like a reliever and just allowed me to breathe and have fun.”
Family became a pivotal role in Nimo’s life and boxing career. His father, Jay Nimo, is not only his boxing coach but also his best friend. Mesiah speaks of his father with appreciation and is humble on how much his father has helped him through the toughest stages of his life.
“He got me on the right path,” Nimo explains. “He helped me realize that I can’t go out and do things that everyone else is doing. I have to stay focused with what I really want to do in my life. It takes sacrifice early on to get to where I want to go and at the end it will all be worth it.”
As he prepares for the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships, he embraces the moment.
“I am just embracing the moment,” he states. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, I am just grateful for this moment and opportunity.”
With his sights set on standing atop the podium, Nimo is ready to prove that his hard work and dedication can lead him to victory.
Mesiah Nimo’s story is not just a boxing journey into the ring but a story that demonstrates perseverance, loyalty and the motivation to overcome life’s adversities.