Jesse James Leija

Jesse James Leija was born in San Antonio, Texas, U.S. on July 8, 1966. He made his professional debut at the age of 22 years on October 2, 1988 against Oscar Davis. Leija defeated Davis via 1st round TKO, making a successful beginning of his pro career.

Leija got his first shot at a world title at the age of 27 after 27 professional fights. On September 10, 1993 Leija challenged Azumah Nelson's WBC super-featherweight title but lost via 12-round split decision.

He became a world champion on May 7, 1994 at the age of 27 years, after by defeating Azumah Nelson, the then-reining WBC super-featherweight champion, via 12-round unanimous decision. This was his 30th fight as a professional.

Leija's last fight was a 5th-round KO loss to Arturo Gatti at age 38, on January 29, 2005, in which he was fighting for the WBC super-lightweight title.

Some of Jesse James Leija's best fights have been against Azumah Nelson (HOFer), Micky Ward, Ivan Robinson, and Jeff Mayweather. For a complete list of Leija's best fights and their details, refer to "Best fights of Jesse James Leija".

Leija has 7 losses on his record. For details about these losses refer to "Jesse James Leija Losses".