Jesse James Leija

James Leija (born July 8, 1966), best known as Jesse James Leija, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2005. He held the WBC super featherweight title in 1994, and challenged twice each for world titles at lightweight and light welterweight.

Jesse James Leija
Leija in 2009
Statistics
Real nameJames Leija
Nickname(s)The Texas Tornado
Weight(s)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1966-07-08) July 8, 1966
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights57
Wins47
Wins by KO19
Losses7
Draws2
No contests1

Amateur career

Leija had an amateur career that spanned three years, going 23-5 during this time. He won the San Antonio Golden Gloves in 1988. Later that year he lost in the first rounds of the Olympic Trials to Kelcie Banks.[1]

Professional career

Jesse James Leija began his professional boxing career on October 2, 1988, beating Oscar Davis by knockout in round one, in Leija's native San Antonio. When he turned professional he took the name "Jesse James" in honor of his father, Jesse Leija, who trained him.[2]

On January 21, 1989, he defeated Joe Mitchell by a decision in four at the Trump Plaza hotel in New Jersey. This marked Leija's debut outside Texas. On his fourth fight, Leija beat Manuel Gomez in San Antonio by decision in four, on April 10.

During the early 1990s, Leija won his first fifteen fights, ten by knockout. His first blemish came on October 8, 1990, when he and Edward Parker fought to a ten-round draw in San Antonio, TX.

Leija won his next three bouts, and then, he had an upgrade in opposition quality when he met the experienced Miguel Arrozal, on May 31, 1991. He beat Arrozal by an eighth-round disqualification. On October 18, he met Steve McCrory in Houston, beating McCrory by a ten-round decision.

Leija got his first championship try on the fight that proceeded his win over McCrory. On March 3, 1992. He met Jose Luis Martinez for the North American Boxing Federation bantamweight championship. This fight was held in San Antonio, and it resulted in a nine-round technical decision.

Leija proceeded to win three bouts, two of them against former world champions. Having defeated Jesus Poll by a decision in twelve rounds and Troy Dorsey by a knockout in six, he was matched, on March 23, 1993, with Louie Espinoza, a former two-time world featherweight champion. Leija won this fight by a twelve-round decision, and with this, the NABF title and the right to challenge for the world title for the first time.

Title fights against Nelson

On September 10, 1993, Leija participated at one of the Alamodome's first ever events, when he challenged Azumah Nelson for the WBC super featherweight title. After twelve rounds, Nelson had been announced as the winner by a split decision, only to find out twenty minutes later that a judge had miscalculated his scoring card, and the fight was really a draw.

On May 7, he got a rematch with Nelson. Leija became the WBC super featherweight champion when he defeated Nelson by a twelve-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

Losing the title and afterwards

Leija with the WBC title, 2013

On September 17, he defended his title against Gabriel Ruelas, once again, in Las Vegas. Leija lost his world title when he lost to Ruelas by a twelve-round unanimous decision.

Leija rebounded with two wins, including one over Jeff Mayweather, and then, on December 15, 1995, he received a chance at becoming world champion for the second time, when he challenged Oscar De La Hoya for De La Hoya's WBO lightweight title, at Madison Square Garden. He lost by second-round knockout.

On June 1, 1996, Leija challenged Nelson, who had regained the WBC super featherweight title. Leija lost by a tech. knockout in six.

After a string of wins against relatively insignificant competition, Leija won the NABF lightweight title, defeating Joel Perez by a decision in twelve rounds on January 20, 1998.

After a second-round knockout victory over Troy Crain, Leija fought Nelson for the fourth time. In what was supposed to be Nelson's final career bout, Leija defeated Nelson by a twelve-round unanimous decision on July 11, 1998 (Nelson would later have a one-fight comeback against Jeff Fenech).

On November 14, Leija had a shot at the IBF lightweight title when he faced Shane Mosley. Leija was dropped in rounds six, eight and nine before the fight was stopped, with Mosley retaining the world title by a ninth-round knockout win.

Leija's next significant bout came on August 5, 2000, when he fought Juan Lazcano. Although no world championship was involved in this bout, it created general interest among Hispanic boxing fans, as Lazcano, nicknamed "The Hispanic Causing Panic," had become a popular boxer among Latinos. Leija lost an unpopular dec. in a ten-round split decision (scores of 94–96, 93-97 and a favorable 96-94) to Lazcano in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Next followed another HBO televised fight, when Leija fought Ivan Robinson, who had twice beaten Arturo Gatti, on November 11 at Las Vegas. Leija beat Robinson by a ten-round unanimous decision.

After a victory over Fred Ladd, Leija faced Hector Camacho Jr. in Long Island, July 7, 2001. This would prove to be a very controversial fight: after an accidental headbutt, Camacho Jr. was injured and he could not fight on. Camacho Jr. was initially announced as the winner by a technical decision, but the Leija team formally protested the result with the New York State Athletic Commission. The athletic commission decided to declare the fight a five-round no contest.

Micky Ward was being considered for a fight with WBC, WBA and IBF world light welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu. On January 5, 2002, Leija and Ward faced off at San Antonio. Once again, the fight was stopped as a consequence of a headbutt, but this time, it was Leija who was injured. Leija won the fight by a five-round technical decision, and became the number-one challenger to Tszyu.

Leija then proceeded to move to Australia for six months, to get acquainted with the country and its climate before his challenge of Tszyu, scheduled for January 19, 2003. Tszyu retained the title when he beat Leija by a six-round knockout.

After three wins, Leija faced young prospect Francisco Bojado. Leija and Bojado fought on July 24, 2004, in Atlantic City. Leija produced what some viewed as a minor upset by beating his much younger rival by a ten-round split decision.

Final bout

On January 29, 2005, Leija fought Arturo Gatti for Gatti's WBC light welterweight title. Fighting once again in Atlantic City, Leija lost to Gatti by a fifth-round knockout. Leija retired after the loss.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
57 fights 47 wins 7 losses
By knockout 19 5
By decision 27 2
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 2
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
57 Loss 47–7–2 (1) Arturo Gatti KO 5 (12), 1:48 Jan 29, 2005 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For WBC light welterweight title
56 Win 47–6–2 (1) Francisco Bojado SD 10 Jul 24, 2004 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
55 Win 46–6–2 (1) Marteze Logan TD 8 (10), 3:00 Apr 30, 2004 Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, U.S. Unanimous TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
54 Win 45–6–2 (1) Fernando Mena TKO 2 (10), 0:57 Nov 15, 2003 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
53 Win 44–6–2 (1) Adan Casillas TKO 4 (10), 0:57 May 22, 2003 SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
52 Loss 43–6–2 (1) Kostya Tszyu RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Jan 19, 2003 Telstra Dome, Melbourne, Australia For WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring light welterweight titles
51 Win 43–5–2 (1) Micky Ward TD 5 (10), 3:00 Jan 5, 2002 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Split TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
50 NC 42–5–2 (1) Héctor Camacho Jr. TD 3 (10), 3:00 Jul 7, 2001 KeySpan Park, New York City, New York, U.S. Originally a unanimous TD win for Camacho, later ruled an NC after an incorrect timekeeper call
49 Win 42–5–2 Fred Ladd TKO 3 (10), 0:55 Jan 7, 2001 Texas Station, North Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
48 Win 41–5–2 Ivan Robinson UD 10 Nov 11, 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
47 Loss 40–5–2 Juan Lazcano SD 10 Aug 5, 2000 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
46 Win 40–4–2 Jorge Luis Lopez KO 3 (10), 2:24 Apr 14, 2000 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
45 Win 39–4–2 Wayne Boudreaux TD 5 (10), 1:48 Dec 2, 1999 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. Unanimous TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
44 Win 38–4–2 Verdell Smith UD 10 Aug 20, 1999 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
43 Loss 37–4–2 Shane Mosley RTD 9 (12), 3:00 Nov 14, 1998 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. For IBF lightweight title
42 Win 37–3–2 Azumah Nelson UD 12 Jul 11, 1998 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Won vacant IBA lightweight title
41 Win 36–3–2 Troy Crain KO 2 (10), 2:22 May 1, 1998 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
40 Win 35–3–2 Joel Perez UD 12 Jan 20, 1998 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Retained NABF lightweight title
39 Win 34–3–2 Effie Schneider UD 10 Nov 14, 1997 South Padre Island, Texas, U.S.
38 Win 33–3–2 Jose Rodriguez UD 8 Jun 14, 1997 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
37 Win 32–3–2 Joel Perez UD 12 Mar 22, 1997 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. Won vacant NABF lightweight title
36 Win 31–3–2 Roberto Avila UD 10 Dec 10, 1996 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
35 Loss 30–3–2 Azumah Nelson TKO 6 (12), 1:58 Jun 1, 1996 Boulder Station Hotel Casino, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S. For WBC super featherweight title
34 Loss 30–2–2 Oscar De La Hoya RTD 2 (12), 3:00 Dec 15, 1995 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. For WBO lightweight title
33 Win 30–1–2 Rodney Garnett KO 7 (10), 2:12 Jul 29, 1995 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
32 Win 29–1–2 Jeff Mayweather UD 10 May 2, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
31 Loss 28–1–2 Gabriel Ruelas UD 12 Sep 17, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBC super featherweight title
30 Win 28–0–2 Azumah Nelson UD 12 May 7, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBC super featherweight title
29 Win 27–0–2 Tomas Valdez TKO 3 (10), 2:19 Mar 23, 1994 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
28 Draw 26–0–2 Azumah Nelson SD 12 Sep 10, 1993 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. For WBC super featherweight title
27 Win 26–0–1 Louie Espinoza UD 12 Mar 23, 1993 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Retained NABF featherweight title
26 Win 25–0–1 Gabriel Castro UD 10 Dec 3, 1992 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
25 Win 24–0–1 Troy Dorsey RTD 5 (10), 3:00 Oct 3, 1992 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
24 Win 23–0–1 Jesus Poll PTS 10 Jul 15, 1992 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
23 Win 22–0–1 Jose Luis Martinez TD 9 (12) Mar 3, 1992 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Won NABF featherweight title;
Unanimous TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
22 Win 21–0–1 Steve McCrory UD 10 Oct 18, 1991 Holiday Inn William P. Hobby Airport, Houston Texas, U.S.
21 Win 20–0–1 Silvestre Castillo TKO 2 (10), 2:32 Aug 30, 1991 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
20 Win 19–0–1 Miguel Arrozal DQ 8 (10) May 31, 1991 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Arrozal disqualified for repeated low blows
19 Win 18–0–1 Rafael Soliman UD 8 Apr 19, 1991 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 17–0–1 Mark Fernandez UD 10 Feb 25, 1991 Holiday Inn William P. Hobby Airport, Houston Texas, U.S.
17 Win 16–0–1 Felipe de Jesus UD 10 Jan 7, 1991 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
16 Draw 15–0–1 Edward Parker SD 10 Oct 8, 1990 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Ricky Alvarez TKO 1 (10), 2:00 Aug 13, 1990 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Bobby McCarthy TKO 5 (8), 0:39 Jul 16, 1990 Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Boyd Gardner UD 6 May 13, 1990 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Roy Muniz KO 3 Mar 25, 1990 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Gary Spencer KO 2 Mar 15, 1990 Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Joe Thompson TKO 3 Jan 8, 1990 Tarrant County Convention Center, Forth Worth, Texas, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Carlos Flores KO 4 Dec 11, 1989 Convention Center, Pasadena, Texas, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Tony De La Rosa KO 1 (8) Oct 16, 1989 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Jaime Castellano TKO 3 (6) Sep 11, 1989 Circus Maximus Showroom, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Capri Lipkin UD 6 Jul 24, 1989 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Chilo Guzman PTS 6 May 29, 1989 County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Manuel Gomez UD 4 Apr 10, 1989 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Joe Mitchell UD 4 Jan 21, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Martin Melendez TKO 2 (4), 1:36 Nov 3, 1988 Wyndham Hotel, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Oscar Davis TKO 1 (4), 1:05 Oct 2, 1988 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
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References

  1. Tintle, Joseph (March 1993), "Jesse James Leija Guns for the Top", Boxing '93: 38
  2. Vogel, Curtis (April 1991), "New Faces: Jesse James Leija", The Ring, 70, no. 4: 22
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by
Jose Luis Martinez
NABF featherweight champion
March 3, 1992 – September 1993
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Mario Gongoria
Vacant
Title last held by
Stevie Johnston
NABF lightweight champion
March 22, 1997 – July 1998
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Golden Johnson
Minor world boxing titles
New title IBA lightweight champion
July 11, 1998 – November 1998
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Alejandro González
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by
Azumah Nelson
WBC super featherweight champion
May 7, 1994 – September 17, 1994
Succeeded by
Gabriel Ruelas
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