Jesse James Leija

Last updated
Jesse James Leija
Jesse James Leija.jpg
Leija in 2009
Born
James Leija

(1966-07-08) July 8, 1966 (age 58)
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Other namesThe Texas Tornado
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 5 in (165 cm) [1]
Reach66 in (168 cm) [1]
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights57
Wins47
Wins by KO19
Losses7
Draws2
No contests1

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.

Contents

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. [2]

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. [3]

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 WBC Gold Belt .jpg
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

57 fights47 wins7 losses
By knockout195
By decision272
By disqualification10
Draws2
No contests1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
57Loss47–7–2 (1) Arturo Gatti KO5 (12), 1:48Jan 29, 2005Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.For WBC light welterweight title
56Win47–6–2 (1)Francisco BojadoSD10Jul 24, 2004 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
55Win46–6–2 (1)Marteze LoganTD8 (10), 3:00Apr 30, 2004 Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, U.S.Unanimous TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
54Win45–6–2 (1)Fernando MenaTKO2 (10), 0:57 Nov 15, 2003 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
53Win44–6–2 (1)Adan CasillasTKO4 (10), 0:57May 22, 2003 SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
52Loss43–6–2 (1) Kostya Tszyu RTD6 (12), 3:00Jan 19, 2003 Telstra Dome, Melbourne, AustraliaFor WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring light welterweight titles
51Win43–5–2 (1) Micky Ward TD5 (10), 3:00Jan 5, 2002Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Split TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
50NC42–5–2 (1) Héctor Camacho Jr. TD3 (10), 3:00Jul 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
49Win42–5–2Fred LaddTKO3 (10), 0:55Jan 7, 2001 Texas Station, North Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
48Win41–5–2 Ivan Robinson UD10 Nov 11, 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
47Loss40–5–2 Juan Lazcano SD10Aug 5, 2000 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
46Win40–4–2Jorge Luis LopezKO3 (10), 2:24Apr 14, 2000Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
45Win39–4–2Wayne BoudreauxTD5 (10), 1:48Dec 2, 1999Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.Unanimous TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
44Win38–4–2Verdell SmithUD10Aug 20, 1999Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
43Loss37–4–2 Shane Mosley RTD9 (12), 3:00 Nov 14, 1998 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.For IBF lightweight title
42Win37–3–2 Azumah Nelson UD12Jul 11, 1998Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Won vacant IBA lightweight title
41Win36–3–2Troy CrainKO2 (10), 2:22May 1, 1998Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
40Win35–3–2Joel PerezUD12Jan 20, 1998Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Retained NABF lightweight title
39Win34–3–2Effie SchneiderUD10Nov 14, 1997 South Padre Island, Texas, U.S.
38Win33–3–2Jose RodriguezUD8 Jun 14, 1997 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
37Win32–3–2Joel PerezUD12Mar 22, 1997Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.Won vacant NABF lightweight title
36Win31–3–2Roberto AvilaUD10Dec 10, 1996Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
35Loss30–3–2 Azumah Nelson TKO6 (12), 1:58Jun 1, 1996 Boulder Station Hotel Casino, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S.For WBC super featherweight title
34Loss30–2–2 Oscar De La Hoya RTD2 (12), 3:00 Dec 15, 1995 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.For WBO lightweight title
33Win30–1–2Rodney GarnettKO7 (10), 2:12Jul 29, 1995Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
32Win29–1–2 Jeff Mayweather UD10May 2, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
31Loss28–1–2 Gabriel Ruelas UD12 Sep 17, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC super featherweight title
30Win28–0–2 Azumah Nelson UD12 May 7, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won WBC super featherweight title
29Win27–0–2Tomas ValdezTKO3 (10), 2:19Mar 23, 1994HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
28Draw26–0–2 Azumah Nelson SD12 Sep 10, 1993 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.For WBC super featherweight title
27Win26–0–1 Louie Espinoza UD12Mar 23, 1993HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Retained NABF featherweight title
26Win25–0–1Gabriel CastroUD10Dec 3, 1992HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
25Win24–0–1 Troy Dorsey RTD5 (10), 3:00Oct 3, 1992HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
24Win23–0–1Jesus PollPTS10Jul 15, 1992HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
23Win22–0–1Jose Luis MartinezTD9 (12)Mar 3, 1992HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Won NABF featherweight title;
Unanimous TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
22Win21–0–1 Steve McCrory UD10Oct 18, 1991Holiday Inn William P. Hobby Airport, Houston Texas, U.S.
21Win20–0–1Silvestre CastilloTKO2 (10), 2:32Aug 30, 1991Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
20Win19–0–1Miguel ArrozalDQ8 (10)May 31, 1991HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Arrozal disqualified for repeated low blows
19Win18–0–1Rafael SolimanUD8 Apr 19, 1991 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
18Win17–0–1Mark FernandezUD10Feb 25, 1991Holiday Inn William P. Hobby Airport, Houston Texas, U.S.
17Win16–0–1Felipe de JesusUD10Jan 7, 1991HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
16Draw15–0–1Edward ParkerSD10Oct 8, 1990 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
15Win15–0Ricky AlvarezTKO1 (10), 2:00Aug 13, 1990Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
14Win14–0Bobby McCarthyTKO5 (8), 0:39Jul 16, 1990 Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
13Win13–0Boyd GardnerUD6May 13, 1990Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
12Win12–0Roy MunizKO3Mar 25, 1990Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
11Win11–0Gary SpencerKO2Mar 15, 1990 Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
10Win10–0Joe ThompsonTKO3Jan 8, 1990 Tarrant County Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
9Win9–0Carlos FloresKO4Dec 11, 1989 Convention Center, Pasadena, Texas, U.S.
8Win8–0Tony De La RosaKO1 (8)Oct 16, 1989Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
7Win7–0Jaime CastellanoTKO3 (6)Sep 11, 1989 Circus Maximus Showroom, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6Win6–0Capri LipkinUD6Jul 24, 1989Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
5Win5–0Chilo GuzmanPTS6May 29, 1989 County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
4Win4–0Manuel GomezUD4Apr 10, 1989 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
3Win3–0Joe MitchellUD4Jan 21, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
2Win2–0Martin MelendezTKO2 (4), 1:36Nov 3, 1988Wyndham Hotel, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
1Win1–0Oscar DavisTKO1 (4), 1:05Oct 2, 1988 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.

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References

  1. 1 2 Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Kostya Tszyu fight.
  2. ↑ Tintle, Joseph (March 1993), "Jesse James Leija Guns for the Top", Boxing '93: 38
  3. ↑ Vogel, Curtis (April 1991), "New Faces: Jesse James Leija", The Ring, 70 (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 WBC super featherweight champion
May 7, 1994 – September 17, 1994		Succeeded by
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